Tea bowl in ‘Shino’ style, known as ‘Kujira-obi’

Collection NumberA000006
TitleTea bowl in ‘Shino’ style, known as ‘Kujira-obi’
Date1969
Artist, Kiln, Workshop加藤唐九郎 KATO Tokuro
Name of prefectures & citiesNagoya city, Aichi prefecture, Japan
Description of works KATO Tokuro, a representative ceramist of the Showa era, began his career in 1914. He also conducted research on old kilns in Seto, other parts of Japan, and on the Korean Peninsula, as well as on old ceramics and porcelains of China. He was a master of diverse styles and techniques, including Kizeto, Setoguro, Shino, Oribe, Shigaraki, and Karatsu, as well as of a wide range of techniques associated with these styles. His passion was, however, for Shino ware, such as this piece, which he continued to produce throughout his life. The dynamic feel present in his works inspired art critics to compare them with the works of ARAKAWA Toyozo, describing the difference between the two as “the stillness of Toyozo and the dynamism of Tokuro.” This tea bowl is named “Kujira-obi” (whale obi belt) after the black band on the body, resulting from iron glaze, that resembles the black skin of a whale.

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