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職人

加藤 尊也 / Kato Takaya

500Loneliness of the year
Lost 500 years

Only made for a mere 30 years
Phantom traditional crafts

The ceramic artist Kato Takaya has been captivated by the charm of the elusive vessels, which were made for only 30 years during the peak of the tea world over 500 years ago, and has been creating ceramics for over 40 years. These elusive vessels, "Setoguro" and "Shino," are said to be Japanese wares with unique values within Japan's distinct aesthetic of wabi-sabi. The kiln-firing process for these "Setoguro" and "Shino" wares is extremely difficult, with the expectation that if even one satisfactory piece with the right color and quality emerges from a single firing, it is considered successful. Therefore, the completed pieces emanate a beauty and strength that seem to express Japan's harsh natural environment.

The Mogusa clay, which serves as the raw material for Setoguro and Shino, is a rare clay that is difficult to obtain, destined to become the material for elusive vessels.

The clay found in the Mino region is considered rare even on a global scale. Over thousands of years, volcanic activity and rain have altered the properties of the clay. The natural terrain, surrounded by mountains, has produced the unique clay specific to this region. The soil accumulated in this area, commonly known as Mogusa clay, contains a small amount of iron and can withstand rapid cooling. This results in the deep, absorbing black of Setoguro and the beautiful fiery red that symbolizes Shino. Mogusa clay is coarse and contains many fine air pockets, giving the finished product a warm and soft feel that fits comfortably in the hand.
"尊 Son" craftsmanship does not seek answers.
It surrenders to nature, embraces impermanence, and reveres it.

Flowing clouds and running water

I perceive and internalize the beautiful seasons and changes in nature in Japan, translating them into tangible forms while sketching. Each sketch is a one-shot deal. I meticulously consider the form and color for about seven days, making no corrections at the end. I design the overall image with a brush. In some works, I replicate the 'hand-turned potter's wheel' used 500 years ago, unlike an electric potter's wheel, it doesn't maintain a constant rotation speed and allows for a gentle flow of natural clay extension. Enjoying the blessings of nature brought by changing seasons remains unchanged from past to present. Mountains, moon, sea, wind, rivers, and seasonal transitions. When using pottery, I always approach pottery making with the awareness that even a little can enrich the mind, so that I can feel such things.

Centennial Workshop

Son's workshop, which has been in operation for over 100 years, was established in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, renowned for its Mino ware. Tajimi, often referred to as the "town of pottery," is home to many kilns and carries a rich history of tradition and innovation. At Son, we continue to use and maintain a 100-year-old hand-turned pottery wheel inherited from previous generations.

Career

1960
Born in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture
1984
Graduated from Musashino Art University
Selected for Asahi Ceramic Exhibition multiple times
Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition - Prefectural Award
Selected for Chunichi International Ceramic Exhibition
1985
Selected for Asahi Craft Exhibition multiple times
1986
Selected for Modern Ceramic Yagi Kazuo Award multiple times
Initiated preservation movement for Onada Negane Ancient Kiln
1987
Selected for Japan Ceramic Exhibition multiple times
1989
Selected for Ceramic Biennale multiple times
1991
Awarded Encouragement Prize at Mino Ceramic Exhibition multiple times
1993
Selected for Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition multiple times
Selected for International Ceramic Exhibition Mino multiple times
1994
Participated in Tokai Traditional Craft Exhibition multiple times
1997
Exhibited at Tokai Ceramic Exhibition (Nagoya International Conference Center)
1999
Received guidance in Setoguro from Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder Takazo Kato at Fudoukou
2002
Recognized as a full member of the Japan Craft Association
2004
Exhibited at Mino Ceramics Now 2004 (Gifu Prefectural Museum of Modern Ceramic Art)
2005
Received guidance in Shino from Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder Zou Suzuki at the Successor Training Seminar
2012
Recognized as a contributor to the preservation of traditional culture in Gifu Prefecture (Shino)
2018
Awarded Bronze Prize at Mino Chawan Exhibition
Selected for Modern Chato Exhibition multiple times
2020
Awarded Encouragement Prize at Mino Chawan Exhibition
2022
Received the 39th Takuo Award

Current

  • Full member of Japan Craft Association
  • Permanent Director of Mino Ceramic Association
  • Traditional Craft Artist

Exhibition and Award History

Gifu Prefectural Art Exhibition - Prefectural Award
Selected for Asahi Ceramic Exhibition 5 times
Selected for Chunichi International Ceramic Exhibition
Selected for Japan Ceramic Exhibition 2 times
Selected for Ceramic Biennale 2 times
Awarded Encouragement Prize at Mino Ceramic Exhibition 3 times
Participated in Tokai Traditional Craft Exhibition 10 times
Selected for Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition 4 times
Selected for International Ceramic Exhibition Mino 3 times

加藤尊也の作品

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Crafts are often referred to as "the beauty of utility." While crafted for daily use, the refined vessels from Son are also considered art. At Son, our Craft Art is based on the concept of "useful art," where the true value is revealed through use. Son's vessels evoke different feelings for different people. When you need to calm your mind or feel uneasy, please take a moment to enjoy a sip with a Son vessel. We create each piece with the hope of enriching your heart, even just a little.
Craft Artist
Kato Takaya
加藤尊也