Item Description: 加藤釥 Kato Sho（1927-2001） This distinctive flower vase was crafted by Kato Sho, a celebrated ceramic artist from Seto's historic Akazu-Setogama kiln tradition. The work presents a striking square-form (shihō-kei) body with a boldly flared lower section in a tiered construction, giving the piece a commanding and sculptural presence. The upper portion is dressed in a soft, luminous white glaze, while the lower half bears a deep, rich iron glaze. Between the two, a naturally occurring gradient emerges — a testament to the artist's mastery of iron-glaze technique (tetsu-yu). Incised decoration (kokumon) adorns the body, representing a bird motif (tori-mon) as noted in the box inscription, blending rustic simplicity with expressive individuality. The base bears the carved seal mark reading "Sho-saku" (作 by Sho). Presented with original wooden storage box (tomobako) and accompanying booklet (shiori). Size Height: 24 cm Width: 15.2 cm Depth: 13.2 cm Condition Age-related soiling and surface wear are present; minor chips (hotsu) are visible along the rim of the lower flared section. Staining traces consistent with water seepage are observed on the surface — water testing confirmed that moisture does permeate from the affected areas when left standing; buyers intending to use the vase with water should be aware of this. Artist Profile 加藤釥 Kato Sho（1927-2001） Kato Sho (1927–2001) was a master ceramic artist born in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, into the distinguished Setogama (Akazu-Setogama) lineage — a family that has maintained ceramic traditions in the Akazu district across generations. He graduated from the Department of Ceramics at Tokyo College of Arts and Crafts (now Tokyo Polytechnic University) in 1948, returning to Seto to pursue ceramic art. He achieved his first acceptance into the prestigious Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) in 1963, subsequently earning numerous awards across major ceramic exhibitions and serving as juror and committee member at various ceramic associations. A devoted teacher, he guided many younger artists throughout his career. Kato Sho became deeply fascinated by the layered possibilities of iron-glaze (tetsu-yu) ceramics — a defining tradition of Seto ware — and developed a uniquely personal approach incorporating techniques ranging from unglazed (mu-yu) and blue-green glaze (sō-yu) to carved decoration (kokumon) and gold decoration (kinzai). In 1997, he was designated by Seto City as the master practitioner of the ceramic iron-glaze technique (tōgei tetsu-yu gihō), the highest recognition of his singular mastery. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.