A refined Shino-yaki (志野焼) chawan, or matcha tea bowl, made by Japanese ceramic artist Katō Chūzō (加藤忠造).
The bowl has a softly rounded form with a low foot and a substantial presence in the hand. It is covered in a warm, creamy-white Shino glaze, gently textured with fine crazing and subtle variations produced during firing.
The contrast between the pale glaze and the loose brown brushwork is characteristic of e-Shino (絵志野) aesthetics, where iron-painted designs are applied beneath a thick feldspathic glaze. During firing, the painted lines soften and merge slightly into the glaze, creating the quiet, atmospheric quality for which Shino ware is admired.
Shino ware developed in the Mino region of present-day Gifu Prefecture during the late 16th century and became closely associated with the Japanese tea ceremony. It is particularly known for its thick white glaze, warm firing tones, subtle pinholes and crazing, and freely painted iron decoration.
Katō Chūzō (加藤忠造) was a Japanese ceramic artist known for working within the traditions of Mino pottery, particularly tea wares inspired by historic Shino and related styles. His work reflects a respect for classical tea-ceremony forms while retaining a personal, expressive approach to brushwork and glaze.
