Large mouthed vase with copper-red flower design (Cinnabar glaze large vase “Dream of the South”) 

Born in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture—a town famous for its pottery—Kato Hajime became familiar with pottery from a young age, and early in his career he focused on painting pictures on pottery. His highly acclaimed skills won him the Grand Prix at the 1937 Paris World Exposition. In 1940, he built a kiln in Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, and established himself as a ceramic artist. Steeped in knowledge of antique Chinese ceramics, he also challenged himself to create something new. This work uses the so-called “cinnabar technique,” which takes advantage of a copper-based glaze that turns reddish-purple when fired. The flowers and butterflies painted in silver take on a golden color after firing. This work, which maximizes the effect of glazing and painting, was given the subtitle “Dream of the South” by its owner shortly after it was made.
(HASEGAWA Tamao)