Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (74)

A beautifully shaped green vessel by Miyashita Zenju enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It stands 10 inches (25.5 cm) tall, 8-1/2 inches (22 cm) diameter and is in fine condition.
Zenju (1901-1968) studied pottery in Japan, Korea and China, and is held in the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art as well as the Kyoto National Museum. Work by the artist was exhibited pre-war at the Bunten and Nitten National Exhibitions as well as the 1939 and 1940 World Exposition. Post war he put his energy into reviving Kyoto’s Ceramic tradition and was exhibited at the National Ceramics Exhibition among many others. He was a leading figure in Kyoto art circles, and he passed the torch on to his son, Miyashita Zenji.

A striking large Han-zutsu Shino bowl by Kato Kageaki with cotton buffer and silk bag enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Linear forms lie shadowlike below the thick pitted shino glaze burnt red on the edges, the body torn and cut creating a vivacious landscape for the senses. The bowl is 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) diameter, 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) tall and in perfect condition. It comes wrapped in a custom fitted silk bag with a central cotton tuft, showing the high esteem and value lavished on the bowl. Kageaki (1899-1972) was the 12th generation head of the Kato clan, his ancestor Kagemitsu being the first of the Mino potters, establishing the family kiln in 1574. He was named a Prefectural Living Treasure (properly called Mukei Bunkazai or Intangible Cultural Property) in 1958. He was often displayed at and prized at the National Traditional Arts and Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Dento Kogeiten) and was a member of the Nihon Kogei Kai. His torch was passed to his son Kato Seizo and Mizuno Takuzo among others. The kiln is now headed by his grandson, the 14th generation head of the family Kato Yasukage.