Kato Yoji
Memory of Clay by Kato Yoji
'I use the firing technique of yakishime (high-fired unglazed stoneware) and haiyu (ash-glazes), which bring out the character of the raw material, that is the original clay, which is infused with the power of nature, Japan's history and culture, and the realities of the present.' Thus wrote Kato Yoji(b.1958) in his brief intro for the directory of the Mino Ceramic Art Association. Those familiar with Mino might expect 16th century inspired Shino chawan or Oribe works, Kato *is* a Mino potter yet more in tune with Kyoto radical Sodeisha ceramic artists. His works are engaging and contemporary ceramic art works that not only capture the beauty of the clay and glazes, yet also in a stunningly fresh way bring Mino ceramics up to an artistic level rarely seen for this region. Kato was born in Tajimi--Mino heartland--and began his ceramic path from high school graduating in 1979; from 1985 his work was accepted to Nitten (17 times more thereafter) as well as being awarded at many juried exhibitions, including the Grand Prize at the Mino Ceramic Art exhibition in 1991. This museum quality Kato 'memory of clay' work is in a large bowl form with a maze-like cut interior as if the lost city of Atlantis was discovered within. The sunken architectural interior and top is covered in a lovely emerald green ash glaze. In perfect condition with a signed box, 14.5cm.tallx31, signed on base.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
