TK are the initials of designer Tatsumi Kato. This is one of his leading tea sets designed by Kato, who studied ceramic design in Northern Europe. The mix of contrasting materials, such as the earthenware body, the rattan handle, and the copper binding ring, enact a modern performance for the user. The high foots of the teacups also present a clean design in their own right.
"Graduated from the Ministry of Education's Industrial Arts Technical Training Institute in 1941 and studied at the Danish National School of Fine Arts as a JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) dispatcher from 1956.
After graduation, he worked at the Arabia Pottery in Finland, where Kai Frank was chief director, until 1958.
After returning to Japan, he worked as a professor at Musashino Art University and participated in the establishment of the Craft Centre Japan, and many of his works have influenced many fields, both as a designer and as a ceramic artist."
