Takuo Kato
Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1917. Studied at the Finnish School of Arts and Crafts in 1961. Afterwards, visited arts and crafts in Europe and the Middle East and visited ancient kiln sites. In 1963, his "Sansai Vase, Spring Mountain" won the Special Hokuto Award at the 6th Nitten Exhibition. In 1965, his "Yuteki Tenmoku Vase, Yo" won the Special Hokuto Award at the 8th Nitten Exhibition. In 1976, he participated in the University of Tokyo Iran-Iraq ruins excavation survey team. In 1978, he produced the "Luster-colored Cockscomb Vase" at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1980, he was invited by the Iraqi Ministry of Education to be a visiting lecturer at Baghdad University. In 1986, he held the "World of Takuo Kato Ceramics" exhibition at Turkey's National Topkapi Palace Museum. In 1988, his "Luster-colored Bowl, Soshun" won the Minister of Education Award at the 10th New Crafts Exhibition. In the same year, he was awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal. In 1990, he became a full member of the Japan Kogei Association. In 1995, he was recognized as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) "Sansai."
