Kato Yaemon (b. 1942) was born as the third son of Kato Juemon, a recognized holder of Gifu Prefecture’s Intangible Cultural Property, and a descendant of Kato Kageyasu, the founding potter of the Mino region near Nagoya. He established the Ogaya Kiln beside the historic Yashichida Old Kiln in Ogaya, a place long known for producing many distinguished ceramics during the Momoyama period.

Kato Yaemon often reflects on the spirit that has shaped celebrated ceramics throughout history. He is known for saying, “Pottery is not made with the hands, but with sensitivity,” and “The most important thing is the desire to create something good.”

Tea caddies used in the tea ceremony are formal vessels with several archetypal shapes. They are broadly divided into two main groups: those with historical roots in China (kara-mono), and those of Japanese origin (wa-mono or kuni-yakimono). This piece belongs to the Japanese group and is called “耳付 茶入, mimitsuki chaire,” which translates to “form with ears.” The two small lugs on the shoulders below the lid define the style. This shape became especially valued during the Edo period because it plays with scale, resembling a flower vase with lugs in miniature form. The function of size and scale in aesthetic utilitarian contexts is a characteristic closely associated with the aesthetics of Wabi-cha, as is the Iga ash glazed style represented in this tea caddy.