Kato Yaemon (b. 1942) was born as the third son of Kato Juemon, a recognized holder of Gifu Prefecture’s Intangible Cultural Property. He is a descendant of Kato Kageyasu, an important figure in the Kato lineage of potters in Mino 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. 

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 offer an unusual and unique take on tea caddy forms. The function of size and scale in 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.