Vintage Kyo Chaire, Tea Caddy, Sasada Hitoshi, Hatakeyama Katatsuki, Katatsuki Chaire, Koseto Chūkō Meibutsu Utsushi, Unused,
MC-091602
Sasada Hitoshi / Also known as Sasada Yushō
Born in Kyoto in 1952, Sasada Hitoshi is a distinguished ceramic artist celebrated for his masterful tea ceramics. His work, particularly his reproductions of classical *Karamono* tea caddies, is highly esteemed among tea practitioners for its refinement, authenticity, and profound respect for tradition.
Sasada pursued his early training in ceramics at the Ceramics Department of Hiyoshigaoka High School (Kyoto), graduating in 1970. He went on to complete his studies at the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Training School (1971) and the Ceramics Technician Training Program at the Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute (1972). In 1973, he apprenticed under Hisashi Tezuka, from whom he received specialized instruction in tea ceramics.
In 1975, Sasada established his independent practice at the Gojozaka Cooperative Climbing Kiln, focusing on the creation of tea caddies modeled after historic masterpieces. Two years later, in 1977, he also adopted the artist name **Yushō**. His studio later moved to Umegadani, Higashiyama (1981), and in 1987 he established a permanent workshop in Nishigamo, Kyoto, following the closure of the Gojozaka kiln.
Sasada has continued to refine his craft over the decades, participating in kiln projects such as the climbing kiln in Mizuo Town, Tanba (1989), and ultimately establishing a new workshop in Nishigamo, Kitaku, Kyoto, in 1996. From this studio, he has remained dedicated to the production of tea utensils, carrying forward the legacy of traditional tea ceramics while imbuing them with his own artistic vision.
According to the Ebara Hatakeyama Museum, *Hatakeyama Katatsuki* is one of the celebrated (“meibutsu”) tea caddies (*Chaire*), a Chinese-imported (*Karamono*) vessel that has long been highly esteemed by tea practitioners.
# Form
Smaller in scale than most shoulder caddies, it is distinguished by the almost complete absence of a neck beneath the mouth and by its strongly projecting shoulders. From the waist downward, the vessel tapers sharply toward the base. The rough cord-cut foot (*Tatami-Tsuke*) adds a sense of solidity, while its substantial weight enhances its commanding presence in the hand.
# Glaze and Surface
The body is covered with a rich, lustrous dark brown glaze, recalling the deep tones of *Tenmoku* tea bowls. Fine vertical streaks—known as *Nogime* kiln effects—appear across the surface, the result of iron crystallization during firing, imparting subtle variety to the glaze. Around the base, the glaze recedes to reveal a metallic golden clay body, adding visual contrast.
# Context
While the “Three Great Katatsuki” (*Shoka*, *Narashiba*, and *Nitta*) were established in the late Sengoku to early Edo period as the foremost treasures of their type, the *Hatakeyama Katatsuki* emerged later as a distinguished name piece. Acquired and named by modern collectors, it rose to prominence in the twentieth century. Compact yet forceful in form, it remains especially valued for its versatility in tea gatherings, where it lends both dignity and flexibility to seasonal and thematic settings.
The Koseto Chūkō Meibutsu Hatakeyama Katatsuki Utsushi is a reproduction by Sasada.
It is unused in excellent vintage condition consistent with age with original paulownia box.
As for Shifuku (made of silk), It is also unused in excellent vintage condition consistent with age.
We did not see any sign of using.
Measurement
Opening Diameter: 3cm / Approx. 1 3/16”
Body: 6.5cm / Approx. 2 9/16”
Tall without lid: 7.9cm / Approx. 3 7/64”
Tall: 8.5cm / Approx. 3 11/32”
Weight (Incl the Lid): 113g
Age: -2000s
Material: Earthenware, Pottery
Lid: Tomobuta, Original Lid
Shifuku: Silk
Color: Dark Blown, Brown, Black
Shape: Hatakeyama Katatsuki
Shifuku pattern: Hanairo Oshidori Komon Donsu
Shifuku cord: Normal length
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age (Unused)
* Original paulownia box
* Original Shifuku
* Original guide paper including shifuku information
* Cloth for protection
* No chips, no cracks, no scratches and no blemishes
* Inscription (Refer to No. 9 photo)
* Almost no discoloration on the lid of box (Refer to No. 10 Photo)
* You may find “minor scratch” on the bottom (the base section of a tea caddy).
* Actual colors may vary due to the fact that every computer monitor, laptop, tablet and phone screen.
* Please purchase “Package Protection” for Fully Insured Service.
If you are very serious and sensitive on vintage items or looking for perfect items, please refrain from purchasing.
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