Item Description 加藤華仙 Kato Kasen（1895-1946） — Nezumi Shino Tea Bowl (Chawan) A beautifully crafted Nezumi Shino (Grey Shino) tea bowl by the distinguished Seto ceramicist Kato Kasen, one of the foremost figures of modern Seto pottery. This wide, shallow chawan is wheel-thrown in the characteristic hira-chawan (flat bowl) form, covered in a rich grey Nezumi Shino glaze — a style achieved by applying a dark iron slip (鬼板, onita) beneath a thick feldspar glaze, then firing in a reduction atmosphere to produce the distinctive mouse-grey hue. The exterior body features a bold band of white resist decoration (nuki-mon) in a repeating geometric pattern — interlocking angular motifs and cross-like florals — creating a lively and rhythmic visual contrast against the dark grey ground. The rim and upper body display warm amber-brown fire flashing (hi-iro), characteristic of reduction-fired Shino ceramics. The interior is glazed in deep slate grey with natural pooling effects. The unglazed foot ring (kodai) shows the raw clay body typical of Seto-yaki. The work is accompanied by its original wooden storage box (tomobako), inscribed with the title "Nezumi Shino Chawan" and signed "Kasen" with the artist's seal — confirming its direct authenticity. Size Height: 7 cm Width: 14.5 cm Depth: 14 cm Weight 341 g Condition The bowl shows minor surface crazing and a small hairline crack on the exterior body; the overall glaze and decoration remain in good condition with no losses, consistent with age-appropriate use. Artist Profile 加藤華仙 Kato Kasen (1895–1946) was a pioneering ceramicist from Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, widely regarded as a trailblazer of modern Seto pottery. He was the first Seto artist to win a Special Selection prize at the inaugural Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) in 1946, earning him recognition as a central figure in elevating Seto ceramics to a national stage. Kasen embraced both traditional Mino and Seto ceramic techniques while incorporating a modern sensibility, producing works that bridged classical aesthetics with contemporary design. His output was limited due to his early death at the age of 51, making his pieces rare and highly regarded. His son, Kato Akio, became a celebrated contemporary sculptor. 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.