[Shuntai KATO]
A Japanese potter in Seto succeeded in the end of Edo-period. Born in 1802 as the 16th generation of the Kato family (founded by Masataka Kato, a skillful potter). He served Ofukegama studio to succeed his father Shunzan at the age of 15, still he needed to retire there because of guilt, then he created his works in Akazu, Imao and Nagoya. In 1850, he was given the name “Shuntai” by Yoshikatsu Tokugawa, the feudal lord then he served Owari-Tokugawa family as an official potter until the end of Edo-period.
His pottery style was quite unique by mixing traditional method of Setoyaki with various methods of Oribe, Shino, Kiseto and so on. Also he revived the technique of Akadu-glaze. He was recognized as the restorer of Setoyaki.
Died in 1877, at the age of 76.
[Oribe ware]
One style of Japanese pottery created in Mino area in Gifu prefecture between the end of 16th century and the early 17th century. One kind of Mino ware.
The history had began in the and of 16th century when Oribe FURUTA, a Japanese feudal lord and a tea master who was a discipline of Sen no Rikyu let potters create tea utensils in his favor. Potters created his favored tea utensils which had unique shapes and paintings. Oribe ware was quite eccentric and original at that time because generally the style of Oribe is deformed and polygon.
The major color of Oribe ware is black, deep green and red. They are decided into Oribe kuro (or Kuro(black) Oribe), Ao(blue) Oribe, Aka (red) Oribe, Shino Oribe and so on depends on color of glazes and other characteristics.
Most of Oribe Kuro (Kuro Oribe) products are chawans, and other Oribe ware are mostly table wares.