Antique Japanese Shino Matcha Bowl by Kato Sakusuke w/ Original Box #5604

Silence fills the tearoom, where the bowl rests quietly in the dim, warm light of the sunken hearth.

Lifting it into your hands, the first thing you feel is the solid warmth of the clay and its reassuring weight. Crafted by Kato Sakusuke (born Seiichi, later known as Shunzan), this bowl embodies the profound tradition of Sakusuke Kiln—a prestigious lineage in Akazu, Seto City, spanning over 150 years and belonging to the lineage of Kato Shirozaemon Kagemasa (Toshiro), the legendary founding father of Seto ceramics.

Inheriting the prestigious name of Sakusuke upon the second generation’s retirement in 1915, he was a true pioneer of his era. His workshop was granted the honored title and gold seal of "Furuseto-gama" (Old Seto Kiln) by the Tokugawa clan after presenting them with an exquisite ancient-style censer. Driven by a vision to connect Japanese aesthetics with the world, Sakusuke spearheaded the export of Oribe-style tableware to the United States and introduced traditional ceramic techniques to Europe and America, all while maintaining close creative bonds with figures like the legendary artist Rosanjin Kitaoji. His pioneering passion lives on in every subtle contour of this small vessel.

Enveloping the bowl is a thick, creamy-white Shino glaze. Its gentle tonal variations subtly shift under the light, evoking the earth resting beneath winter snow, quietly awaiting the arrival of spring. Near the foot, the raw, unglazed clay peeks through, where strong carved marks and the natural organic asymmetry of the potter’s wheel lend it a timeless dignity. Within this unpretentious imperfection lies a simple, profound beauty that touches the heart across generations.

When the formal tea service transitions to haiken—the ritual moment of appreciation—guests gather around to admire its form:

“Look at the soft landscape of this glaze, and feel this texture…”

“In fact, this piece was crafted by Sakusuke, who honored the ancient Seto lineage while taking Japanese ceramics across the seas.”

In the quiet room following a bowl of tea, warm conversation naturally blossoms, echoing with the artisan’s dedication, historical legacy, and the lingering warmth left by the potter’s hands.

Safely cradled in its original wooden box (tomobako), aged gracefully over the years, the lid reveals bold ink calligraphy reading "Furuseto-gama Shino Chawan" alongside Sakusuke’s signature—a quiet testament to a master craftsman whose story continues to unfold a century later.

width: approx. 11.5cm (4.5in)

height: approx. 8cm (3.1in)

weight: approx. 354g (w/ box 548g)

condition: Slightly scratched and soiled, but overall in good condition

Accessories: Original Wooden box (Tomobako)

Shipping: Shipped from Japan with a tracking number. We take great care in professional packaging to ensure the item arrives safely.