Ryotaro Kato
A ceramic artist based in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, Ryotaro Kato is the eighth generation of the “Kobeigama” Kiln family. He is deeply passionate about using “ana-gama” (literally, “cave”) kilns and produces mainly Mino tea ceramics in styles such as Shino, Setoguro and Oribe. He is also well versed in the tea ceremony and calligraphy, and conveys the beauty of Japan’s unique culture through his works. While building on tradition, he continues to actively refine his own sensibilities and take on the challenge of new projects.
- BASED IN
- Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture
- WEB SITE
POINT OF VIEW
In each of the works fired in their ana-gama kiln, we can see the experience and intelligence of this stylish artist and his reverence for the ultimate pottery jointly created by nature and man. Ryotaro Kato’s creative activities expand a field which seems to embody the free spirit of Mino-Momoyama pottery born 400 years ago.
CRAFT ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
- 1974
Born the eldest son of Kobei Kato, the 7th generation head of the Kobeigama Kiln in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture
- 1999
Completed graduate studies in ceramics at Kyoto City University of Arts Department of Crafts
- 2000
Entered the family business, Kobeigama Kiln
- 2012
Solo Exhibition at Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial
- 2014
Exhibited at the Ninth Annual Paramita Ceramics Award Exhibition at Paramita Museum
- 2016
Kobeigama Kiln History Exhibition at the Furukawa Museum of Art
Exhibited at the PANK Kogei (Rakusuitei Museum of Art, Ibaraki Prefecture Museum of Ceramic Art)
- 2018
Milan Salone CASA GIFU3 (Italy)
Created a Nara Sansai Tenmoku tea bowl for use in a tea offering by tea master So-oku Sen at the Buddhist service celebrating the completion of the Chukindo Hall at Kofukuji Temple
- 2019
Solo Exhibition + Tea Party at Goldmark Gallery (UK)
Kobeigama Kiln History Exhibition at the Mino Ceramics Museum