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

A Shino Incense Burner (志野香炉)

Heisei Era (1989-2019) 

About the work

A striking Shino ware incense burner by Kato Toyohisa, combining a compact sculptural form with the powerful surface effects characteristic of the artist's contemporary approach to Shino ceramics.

The body is constructed with strongly articulated facets and irregular projections, almost architectural in appearance. A thick milky white Shino glaze envelops much of the surface, interrupted by vivid passages of orange and reddish fired clay along the edges, recesses and lower body. Numerous small pinholes and variations within the glaze contribute to the richly tactile surface. The contrast between brilliant white and fiery orange gives the vessel an especially dynamic presence.

The removable lid takes the form of an expressive spiral or rosette, its deeply modelled ridges highlighted by warm orange firing. This swirling form provides a lively counterpoint to the more angular body beneath. Viewed from different directions, the burner continually changes character as the geometric facets, irregular contours and flowing glaze come into view.

The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box, storage cloth and artist documentation.

Dimensions

14cm(h) x 15.2cm(w) x 13.6cm(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.