Masterful Craftsmanship Forged Over Decades
For over 50 years, Eihō Katō has devoted himself to handmade pottery in his studio located in Sumiyama, Uji, a region known for its strong ties to Kyoto's ceramic traditions.
Born in 1956 in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district into a family of Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware artisans, Katō naturally found his path in traditional Japanese pottery. He refined his skills through hands-on work and training at the Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute.
Pottery That Blends Tradition and Usability
Working with a range of materials and techniques—including both pottery and porcelain—Katō crafts ceramic pieces that reflect the spirit of their time while honoring Kyoto’s ceramic traditions.
Designed for ease of use and everyday beauty, his handmade works bring a sense of calm and warmth to daily life. They’re shaped with quiet precision, and his keen design sensibility shines in every detail.
Crafted Through Sound and Rhythm
In his studio, the hum of the potter’s wheel and the tactile rhythm of shaping clay fill the air. Here, craftsmanship unfolds in time with each rotation.
Katō’s ceramic pieces feature rich glaze tones and a soft, inviting texture. Each item reflects his desire to enrich daily life through traditional Japanese handmade pottery.
Carrying Tradition Forward
Looking to the future, Katō continues to honor Kyoto’s ceramic legacy while embracing new ideas. His creations are not only functional but also deeply expressive, offering a quiet reflection of the artisan’s world.
Artist Profile: Eihō Katō (Third Generation)
- Born in 1956 in Higashiyama, Kyoto
- Played baseball at Heian High School
- Graduated from Heian High School in 1975
- Completed training at Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute in 1976
- In 1977, began working in Sumiyama, Uji, under his father’s guidance
- Inherited the name “Eihō” as the third-generation potter in 1989
- Selected seven times for the Kyo-ware & Kiyomizu-ware Exhibition since 1993
- Received the Encouragement Prize from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2002
- Received the Kyoto Governor’s Prize in 2015
KOTOPOTTER Owner
Masatoshi Yokoyama
With over 10 years of experience in traditional Japanese crafts—especially Kyoto’s Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware—I curate ceramic pieces that are both beautiful and functional.
Through close collaboration with Kyoto’s potters and kilns, I continue to refine my expertise and explore new possibilities for sharing Japan’s handmade ceramic traditions with the world.
In 2024, I launched KOTOPOTTER, a specialty online store for traditional Kyoto pottery and ceramics.