About the Works Artist: Sekishun Kato 加藤石春 Title of work: Embers of the Ancient Forest – Tatsuta Nishiki Tenmoku Raku Tea Bowl This Tatsuta Nishiki Tenmoku Raku Tea Bowl is a masterful creation by Sekishun Kato, showcasing one of his most celebrated glaze innovations. The bowl’s surface shimmers with an interplay of deep blacks, ember-like reds, moss greens, and golden highlights—colors that appear to emerge from within the clay itself. Soft undulations along the rim and the natural, hand-formed silhouette emphasize the quiet vitality that defines Kato’s approach to Raku ware. The rich, lustrous interior evokes the deep glow of lacquer or smoldering charcoal, while the exterior features a constellation of fine textures created during firing. These subtle variations—pitting, gloss, matte transitions—give the Tea Bowl a dimensional presence reminiscent of landscapes touched by autumn light. “Tatsuta Nishiki” is the name of a unique glaze invented by Sekishun Kato. Noted for its vivid colors and profound luster, this glaze brings a vibrant and elegant appearance to the surface of ceramics. Primarily used for tea bowls and similar works, it is highly valued for enabling dimensional color effects and a graceful shine not seen in traditional Raku ware. Beloved by tea practitioners and collectors alike, this technique stands as one of Kato’s defining achievements. This Tea Bowl is an exceptional example of that signature technique—an artwork where the spirit of Raku, the warmth of handcraft, and the depth of color harmonize beautifully. This tea bowl is an early work by Sekishun Kato, dating back over 100 years. It carries a rich historical presence and stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Japanese ceramic artistry. Size: Diameter: 12.5 cm Height: 8 cm Weight: 365 g About the Artist Sekishun Kato was a renowned Japanese ceramic artist born in 1868. He was highly praised by Taisuke Itagaki, from whom he received the artist name “Sekishun.” In 1914, he established a Raku kiln within the Nagoya ware tradition and later founded the Karasumori Raku kiln. He was known for his unique multicolored glazing technique Tatsuta-nishiki, prized for its vivid hues and deep luster. His works hold an important place in the history of Japanese ceramics. Short Supplement — About Taisuke Itagaki Taisuke Itagaki (1837–1919) was a leading political figure of the Meiji era and a key advocate for Japan’s early democratic reforms. Also a supporter of the arts, he admired Kato’s work and bestowed upon him the artist name “Sekishun.” Appearance Please see photos for details. Shipping Information Items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. Please note that we are unable to under-declare the value of an item or mark it as a gift for shipping purposes. Obligations of the importer Import duties, taxes and fees are not included in the bid price or shipping charges. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be before bidding or purchasing. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.