▲This exquisite incense burner by Takao Kato is a masterful fusion of Eastern and Middle Eastern ceramic traditions.
▲Adorned with the lustrous gleam of the lusterware technique, the piece reflects light in a metallic sheen that evokes ancient Islamic ceramics.
▲The body features a delicate pattern of waterfowl dancing gracefully.
▲There is an inscription "Taku" on the base.
▲This piece blends the revived Middle Eastern lusterware technique with a distinct Japanese aesthetic. Placed on a quiet shelf, the incense burner emanates a timeless elegance that whispers of history and craftsmanship.
▲The lid of the box bears the inscription “Lusterware Incense Burner” along with the signature and seal of Takao KATO.
▲The inside of the box lid bears the seal designating it as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property.
with a signed box
Living National Treasure
D9.5cm H10.5cm
Lusterware is a technique that began in Mesopotamia in the 9th century and declined after the 14th century, and is onsidered a phantom Persian pottery. It is characterized by a metallic luster. Takuo Kato was fascinated by such luster painting and aspired to restore it. He risked the rest of his life and succeeded in restoring it after much trial and error. A bird is painted on the side. There is an inscription "Taku" on the base.
Takuo KATO
Takuo was a leading figure in the restoration of Persian lusterware ceramics that had disappeared around the 16th to 17th centuries and also in the restoration of three-color glaze ceramics, the oldest Japanese pottery technique, developed in the Nara Period (710-794). Born into a family of pottery masters dating back to the late Edo Period (1603-1867), Takuo began studying ceramic art at a very young age under his father, Kato Kobe, the fifth heir of the grand pottery master of Mino ware. Takuo distinguished himself as a leading expert in ancient pottery restoration techniques by successfully restoring Persian lusterware in the early 1980s after some 20 years of studies. His achievements brought him numerous art awards. He was named a Living National Treasure in 1995.
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