Teruhide Kato (1936-2015)

Teruhide Kato, born in 1936, initially trained in oil painting at Kyoto City University of Arts. However, he pursued a career as a Kimono designer, becoming one of Japan's leading figures in the industry. Eventually, Kato transitioned to woodblock printing in his fifties, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of his lifelong home in Kyoto. His works are celebrated for their refined aesthetic, capturing the serene beauty of Kyoto’s streets, temples, and seasonal changes.

Kato’s artistry uniquely blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern sensibility, making him a revered figure in the art world both in Japan and internationally. In 1991, following his international debut in New York, a catalogue of his works called Kyoto Romance was released and met great success. His prints, characterised by scenes of Kyoto’s narrow alleys and geisha districts, evoke a nostalgic and tranquil atmosphere. Though he passed away in 2015, Kato’s legacy continues to influence and celebrate Japanese cultural heritage through his poignant and poetic representations.