Seiten-moku Tenmoku Chawan by Kato Eiichi (加藤英一), Yunone-gama, Seto / 青天目撫子茶碗 Historical Context Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most celebrated ceramic centres — a city so synonymous with ceramics that the Japanese word for pottery, "Setomono," derives directly from its name. Seto-yaki is designated as a Traditional Craft by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, a recognition that affirms its enduring technical and cultural significance. Kato Eiichi worked from Yunone-gama in Seto, drawing on this ancient tradition while developing his own refined aesthetic within the demanding tenmoku glazing tradition. Tenmoku — known in Chinese as Jian ware — originated in Song Dynasty China and was brought to Japan by Zen monks returning from study in the 12th and 13th centuries. It became one of the most revered glaze traditions in Japanese ceramic history, prized above all by tea masters for its depth, mystery, and the way it transforms in light. Kato Eiichi achieved recognition at the highest levels of the Japanese arts establishment: selected ten times for both the prestigious Imperial Fine Arts Exhibition (Teiten) and the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition (Nitten). His work was designated for preservation under Japan's cultural programmes, and pieces were acquired for use by the Imperial Household. His work is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York — an exceptional distinction for a studio potter. Aesthetic & Tactile Details This chawan is glazed in a profound, layered tenmoku black — a surface that shifts between deep obsidian and faint blue-green iridescence depending on the angle of light. Across the body, a nadeshiko (wild pink / Dianthus) motif emerges in lighter glaze, its delicate form rendered with quiet precision against the dark ground — a gesture of natural beauty within an otherwise austere field. The form follows the classic hirachawan silhouette: wide, open, and generous — a summer tea bowl designed to allow heat to dissipate, inviting a slower, more contemplative bowl of tea. The kodai is left unglazed, revealing the warm, pale stoneware clay beneath — a grounding contrast to the lacquer-dark exterior, and a detail that speaks to the maker's mastery of balance. The glaze pooling at the base and the subtle variations across the surface are entirely natural, born of the kiln atmosphere rather than the brush, embodying the spirit of yo-no-bi — beauty found in use. Artist Profile Kato Eiichi (加藤英一, 1908–1996) — Yunone-gama, Seto City, Aichi Prefecture Born in Seto — a city whose very name became the Japanese word for ceramics — Kato Eiichi carried forward a lineage of ceramic craft stretching back generations through his family. He trained rigorously in the technical traditions of Seto-yaki, dedicating his life to the refinement of glazework and form, guided by the philosophy of creating ceramics that are truly loved and used, rather than merely admired. His achievements were recognised at the pinnacle of Japan's ceramic arts world: selected ten times for both the Imperial Fine Arts Exhibition (Teiten) and the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition (Nitten). His works were designated for preservation under Japan's cultural programmes, acquired for use by the Imperial Household, and are held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. This chawan is accompanied by its tomobako — the original wooden box inscribed and sealed by the artist — and a Toga-kai gallery provenance card documenting the piece's exhibition history and the artist's credentials. Condition & Specifications Condition: Excellent for age. No chips, cracks, or restoration. While this is a vintage piece, it shows no visible signs of use and retains its original appearance in outstanding condition. Height: 6.8 cm Diameter: 12.9 cm Weight: 199 g Total weight with tomobako: approx. 414 g Included: Tomobako (original artist-signed and sealed wooden box) + Toga-kai gallery provenance card Shipping Information: This item is shipped via Japan Post EMS as our standard shipping method. Depending on the destination and logistics situation, we may use DHL or FedEx for the fastest and safest delivery. All items include a tracking number and insurance. Each item is carefully wrapped in protective cushioning materials and secured within a double-walled cardboard box to ensure safe international transit. Delivery Lead Time: Normally takes approximately one week. Please note that delivery times may vary depending on the country, region, and customs procedures. 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