Hajime Kato

Hajime Kato (1900–1968) was a Living National Treasure renowned for bringing a modern sensitivity to the classic art of polychrome enameled porcelain, reviving and mastering historical techniques with scholarly precision and a designer's eye.

Beyond his celebrated enamels, his oeuvre includes works of quiet restraint — celadon-toned vessels in which form and glaze alone carry the expression.

wanova offers rare, carefully sourced works by Hajime Kato, with detailed condition photographs. Viewing at our Roppongi gallery, Tokyo (by appointment).

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Set of 2 GUINOMI by Hajime Kato

Regular price $261.00 USD
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CHAWAN -Japanese Tea Bowl

GUINOMI -Japanese Sake Cup

Japanese Lacquerware & Urushi Art

KOGO -Japanese Incense Container

TOKKURI -Japanese Sake Bottle

HANAIRE -Japanese Flower Vase

KATAKUCHI -Japanese Spouted Pouring Bowl

MIZUSASHI -Japanese Water Pitcher

SAKAZUKI -Japanese Sake Cup

TSUBO - Japanese Ceramic Pot

YUNOMI - Japanese Tea Cup

Deep Dive to The Artist

Details of Hajime Kato

1900 Born in Aichi / Studied and revived Ming and Qing polychrome porcelain techniques / Living National Treasure (polychrome enameled porcelain) / Professor at Tokyo University of the Arts / 1968 Died

Top-down angled view looking into the glossy, pale blue-gray interior of the two cups, revealing the elegant depth and smooth glaze finish.

Why This Artist Matters

Kato was scholar and artist in one. He decoded lost techniques of imperial Chinese porcelain and then made them his own — precise, modern, never merely archaeological. His influence runs through generations of Japanese porcelain artists he taught.

What to Look For

Precision is the tell: crisp edges, controlled glaze, nothing accidental. In the celadon pieces, look for the stillness of the surface and the exactness of the form. Authenticated pieces are rare — the box and inscription are part of the object.

Close-up top view looking inside the bowls, emphasizing the fine crackles and calm pool of glaze at the bottom of the vessels.

HOW TO LIVE WITH THE WORK

This is porcelain of quiet formality. Give it a clear surface and good light. Use it for special occasions if you wish; otherwise let it be the still point of a room.

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