Matcha Bowl - Akazu Ware
Matcha Bowl in Akazu-yaki style, made by 11th generation potter Tenpei Kato (b.1953).
The bowl has a wide rim with a red clay base and green ash glaze with crackling.
Akazu-yaki is a substyle of Seto-yaki, which originated in Aichi prefecture. Kilns in Seto were historically recognized as the most important centres of ceramic production during the Heian (794–1185) to Muromachi (1336–1573) periods and are foundational to the development of Japanese pottery traditions.
- Top diameter: 15.1cm
- Height: 6.7cm
- Weight: 281g
- Packaging: Original wooden box, wrapped in a cotton fukusa (袱紗)
- Condition: Unused, retrieved from long-term storage
Akazu-yaki features
Akazu ware (赤津焼) is a distinguished form of Japanese pottery originating from the Akazu district in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture. It boasts a history dating back to the Heian period (794–1185), evolving alongside the renowned Seto ware. The Akazu kilns have been instrumental in preserving traditional Japanese ceramic techniques, with some family-run kilns operating for multiple generations.
The Akazu kilns especially flourished during the Muromachi period (1336–1573), but many kilns relocated to the Mino region during the Sengoku period (1467–1615). Tokugawa Ieyasu, aiming to revitalize ceramic production, summoned potters back to Akazu and in 1616, he established a kiln within Nagoya Castle's Ofukemaru area.
Akazu ware is celebrated for its diverse glazes and decorative methods. Seven traditional glazes are integral to its identity: ash glaze, iron glaze, Koseto glaze, Kiseto glaze, Shino glaze, Oribe glaze, and Ofukei glaze. Complementing these are twelve decorative techniques, including herame, tataki, shurime, herabori, sogi, nunome, sukibori, mishimategate, inka, kushime, ukikashibori, and hariwashi.
Akazu ware is fired at temperatures ranging from 1170°C to 1250°C over 24 to 30 hours, ensuring durability and the development of glaze characteristics.
In recognition of its cultural significance, Akazu ware was designated a Japanese traditional craft in 1977. By 2010, only 14 craftsmen continued this tradition.
Profile of Tenpei Kato (1953 -)
Tenpei Kato studied under his 10th generation father, Shunto Kato. He is the 11th generation of the Akatsu Kiln family. He graduated from Nagoya College of Art and Design. He has been selected for and won numerous awards at the Tokai Traditional Crafts, Ceramic Art Biennale, Chunichi International Ceramic Art Exhibition, Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, and Nitten. He is a member of the Nitten Exhibition Association and a director of the Seto Ceramic Art Association. He has held solo exhibitions at Nagoya Matsuzakaya, Mitsukoshi, and other venues.