An exquisite Seto-Guro Chawan Tea Bowl by Kato Kozo enclosed in the original signed owoden box bearing the same title, held in a fine black lacquered outer box (Nijubako) ordinarily reserved only for the finest of pieces. It is 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter, 9 cm (3-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Kato Kozo (1935–2023) was a revered Japanese ceramic artist, designated in 2010 as a Living National Treasure for his mastery of the traditional Setoguro (black Seto) ceramic technique. Born in Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture, he initially aspired to be a painter—achieving the distinction of being the youngest entrant in the Nitten exhibition—but ultimately followed the ceramic path under the mentorship of Kato Kobei and the legendary Arakawa Toyozo. Over decades, Kato developed his own signature style, often referred to as “Kōzō Shino” or “Kōzō kuro” reviving and refining classic Mino‐Momoyama aesthetics such as Shino, Setoguro, and iron-glazed works. He received numerous awards—including top honors at national exhibitions like the Japan Traditional Crafts and Tokai Traditional Crafts Exhibitions—and served in leadership roles with organizations such as the Japan Kōgei Association and Mino Ceramics Association. In addition to his artistic practice, Kato was dedicated to mentorship and preserving ceramic traditions; he founded an atelier called “Fūjuku” to nurture new generations of ceramic artists. Widely exhibited both domestically and abroad, like his mentor Kozo was named a Living National Treasure in 2010, a tribute to a life spent reviving and defending the Mino traditions. Work by him is held in the National Museums of Modern Art, both Tokyo and Kyoto, Museum of Modern Ceramic Art in Gifu, the Mizunami Ceramic Museum as well as the Victoria & Albert Museum among others.
