bio pt 1
KATŌ TŌKURŌ was born in 1898 as Kanō Shōkurō in Seto, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kiln sites. After inheriting his father’s kiln and changing his name to Katō Tōkurō following his marriage to Katō Kinu, he would go on to become a master of a wide range of ceramic styles, including Shino, Oribe, Kiseto, Kōrai (Korean), Iga, and Shigaraki. Through years of experimentation, he successfully recreated the techniques for these historical ceramic styles. His Oribe technique was designated an Intangible Cultural Property in 1952. A scholar of Japanese ceramic history, Katō’s research has redefined our understanding of the origins of Seto ceramics, and his dedication to international cultural exchange helped promote Japanese ceramics around the world. During his career, Katō served on a number of influential art organizations and committees, including the Japan Ceramic Society and Japan Crafts Association.
