[Kato Ken] Shino tea bowl (with box, cloth, bookmark). Long-term storage. Unused item.
Diameter: 10,5 cm, Height: 10 cm, Weight: 402 g. 
Recommended not only for tea ceremony, but also as interior decoration or gift.
 
Ken Kato (加藤健) is a renowned contemporary Japanese ceramic artist specializing in traditional Mino ware, particularly the Shino and Oribe styles. The glaze has a rich texture reminiscent of light snow. Shino clay wares by Kato Takeshi, crafted from local Gotomaki clay in a semi-underground anagama kiln and a gas furnace, have a calm and delicate appearance that reflects the artist himself. The ease of use, inspired by the principle of tea drinking, is the result of his long-standing passion for tea. The natural, unpretentious form and glaze of Shino clay wares are what give them their charm.
 
Biography and Style.
Ken Kato was born in 1947 in Toki, Gifu Prefecture, the historical center of Mino pottery production. He trained with a number of masters before founding his own kiln, Genkuro Kiln, in 1973.
 
His work is prized for:
Natural glazes and organic textures: Kato-san strives to create pieces with natural beauty and unique characteristics, in keeping with the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Own Kiln: In 1973, he founded his own kiln in Hida, Tokyo, where he devoted himself to the study and creation of shino and oribe ceramics.Traditional Techniques: In 1983, he built a traditional anagama wood-fired kiln, allowing him to explore the firing process further and create new dimensions in his ceramics.
Shino and Oribe Mastery: He is considered a leading master of these styles, known for their distinctive white glaze (shino) and vibrant green glaze (oribe).
 
Notable Works and Exhibitions.
Ken Kato's works, such as his Shino-style tea bowls (chawan), are frequently featured on specialized online platforms and in galleries. He has regularly held solo exhibitions at major Japanese department stores such as Isetan and Mitsukoshi since 1977.
His pieces are in private collections worldwide and are featured on various art platforms.
 
How to care for such a bowl:
Clay has porosity, and it varies among different types, so here are some general tips for caring for ceramics. To ensure the bowl "opens up":
Avoid using detergents: The clay will absorb the chemical smell, ruining the tea's flavor.
Only one type of tea: Experts recommend using one bowl for one type of tea (for example, only pu-erh or only oolong) so that over time the lining will absorb the aroma of that particular tea.
Your bowl is not just a piece of teaware, but an object of authenticity that, with proper use, will only improve over the years.