Kato Usuke (1915-1981) Vintage Seto-guro tea bowl #4708
- SKU:
- 4708
- Shipping:
- Free Shipping
- width : approx. 11.5cm (4 17⁄32in)
- height: approx. 10cm (3 15⁄16in)
- weight: 592g (gross 885g)
Kato Usuke (1915-1981)
Kato Usuke, a potter of Seto and Akazu ware, was born in 1915 as the son of Usaburo the 20th. With his ancestor being the second son of the father of Seto ware, Kato Kagemasa Second Generation Toshiro Motomichi, Fuji Saemon as the first generation, he takes his name Usuke from the 17th Generation Keitoku Jinzo. His teaware products include koseto, setoguro, shino, and oribe among others, and there are many excellent products that could easily fit in with ancient works. Usuke's works are engraved with his signature, "う(U)". He has held solo exhibitions in various parts of Japan, in Los Angeles, and in Czechoslovakia his works are highly regarded, with some of them even being considered works that will be permanently preserved.
Since Kato Usuke is considered the best potter for Seto, he has received many requests to make imitations from the Kamakura period.
In 1959, a vase with the inscription "Einin 2" (1294) was discovered, and it was designated as one of Japan's Important Cultural Properties as a koseto masterpiece from the Kamakura period. However, it was discovered that this work was a contemporary one by the potter, Kato Tokuro (1896-1985), and two years later it had its status as an Important Cultural Property revoked. It was a scandal involving the Art History Society, the Ancient Art Society, and the Administration for Cultural Property Protection, where the cultural official who recommended its designation as an Important Cultural Property took responsibility and resigned.
- Appraisal: We do not provide scientific age verification, laboratory testing, or certificates from artists’ descendants. All evaluations are based on reference literature, academic resources, and expertise of professionals.
- Shipping & Customs: We ship internationally, mainly by Japan Post (EMS). EMS includes insurance up to the declared value. Import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges in the destination country are the buyer’s responsibility.
- Returns & Cancellations: Cancellations after payment are subject to a 20% fee. The cancellation fee takes into account the actual international shipping costs incurred as well as payment processing fees. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery if the item remains in its original condition. Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility, except when the item is clearly different from the product photos.
