Kato Toyohisa (加藤豊久), Japanese, b. 1962

A Nezumi Shino Flower Vase with Spring and Autumn Motif (鼠志野春秋文花器)

Heisei Era (1989-2019)  

About the work

An exceptional large-scale Nezumi Shino flower vase by Kato Toyohisa, masterfully decorated with a poetic Shunjū (Spring and Autumn) motif. Rising to an impressive 32 cm in height, the faceted vessel displays elegantly carved maple leaves reserved in white against flowing iron-red and soft grey Shino glazes. The dynamic interplay of warm iron tones, smoky grey washes, and milky feldspathic glaze evokes the changing colours of the Japanese landscape through the seasons.

The sharply faceted form creates rhythmic planes that catch the light differently from every angle, enhancing the layered depth of the glazes. Delicate crackling, natural pinholing, and the softly flowing surface are hallmarks of traditional Shino firing, while the finely rendered foliage reflects Toyohisa's distinctive ability to combine sculptural form with painterly decoration.

The vase is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and original signed wrapping cloth.

Dimensions

32cm(h) x 26cm(w) x 20cm(d)

Footnote

Kato Toyohisa (加藤豊久), who later adopted the name 土代久, is a distinguished ceramic artist celebrated for his innovative approach to Mino ware, especially Shino ceramics. He merges traditional techniques with a contemporary style, enhancing the classic aesthetic. Recognized early in his career, Kato received the Rising Star Award at the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition in 1983, along with accolades from the Tajimi City Art Exhibition and other major ceramic exhibitions.