KATŌ TŌKURŌ (1898-1985)
Iron-red Shino-glazed columnar waterjar with two pinched waists and broad mouth
1965
Glazed stoneware with lacquer cover and original box
8 1/4 x 6 3/8 in.
SOLD

Potter’s Mark: Ichimusai (carved on base)
Box Title:         Beni-shino mizusashi; Iron-red shino waterjar (on cover) shōwa yonjūrokunen rokugatsu nijūroku nichi kama; Exhibited June 26, 1971 (inside cover)
Signed:            Ichimusai (Tokurō’s pseudonym)
Sealed:            Tō
Exhibited:         Tōgei Tōkuro (Tōkuro’s Ceramics). Mainichi Shimbun, 1986. Katō Tōkuro, Shigetaka, Takahiro Kamagure sandai (Katō Tōkuro, Shigetaka, Takahiro, Three generations). Musée Tomo, 2008.

As a teenager, Katō Tōkurō (1898-1985) inherited his father’s kiln in historic Seto, and over his lifetime, he would become a master of a wide range of ceramic styles, including Shino, Oribe, ki-Seto, Kōrai (Korean), Iga, and Shigaraki. Through years of experimentation, he successfully recreated the techniques for these historical ceramic styles. His Oribe technique was designated an Intangible Cultural Property in 1952. A scholar of Japanese ceramic history, Katō’s research has redefined our understanding of the origins of Seto ceramics, and his dedication to international cultural exchange helped promote Japanese ceramics around the world. During his career, Katō served on a number of influential art organizations and committees, including the Japan Ceramic Society and Japan Crafts Association.