25624 Living National Treasure Kozo Kato (Seto Black Tea)

Height 10.6cm

Diameter 12.0cm

In 1951, he entered the Gifu Prefecture Ceramics Testing Center and studied under the fifth generation Kato Kobei. In 1962, he was selected for the first time at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. In 1970, he built an anagama kiln in Tajimi and became independent. He studied under Arakawa Toyozo. In 2009, he received the Gold Prize from the Japan Ceramic Association. He received the Pola Traditional Culture Award for his work and transmission of Setoguro, Shino, and Kiseto wares. In 2010, he was recognized as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for his "Setoguro." This is an outstanding work by the artist, who was the successor to "Toyozo Shino." He passed away on April 17, 2023 (Reiwa 5) at a hospital in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, from acute heart failure. He was 88 years old.