Japanese pottery and porcelain

Mizuno pottery 水野焼

It is Raku-ware from around the Bunsei era to the Tenpo era.Mizuno Dewanokami Tadakira who was an Edo Senke tea master and student of Kawakami Fuhaku, invited a potter named Michitaro to his own mansion in Tatsunokuchi in Edo and let him make Raku-ware work.With the death of Tadakira in 1838, the kiln was abandoned and the period of production period was short, so there are very few existing works. However, it is believed that he was able to get guidance at the recommendation of Kawakami Fuhaku, a master whose Raku-ware technique was close to that of the ninth generation (more…)

Gentaku pottery 玄琢焼

Tsuchihashi Kahe (1867-1946), a tea master and tea implement dealer in Kyoto, built a folk art-style villa designed by Kawai Kanjiro in Gentaku of Kita ward in Kyoto in 1934. At the time he built a kiln in the garden and invited potters like Sasaki Shoraku, and Oshima Rakuan, and they fired things like Raku-ware, Shino-ware and Karatsu-ware. (more…)

Chotaro pottery 長太郎焼

The first Ariyama Chotaro, who was engaged as a painter with the Oniwa-ware of the Shimazu family in Kagoshima prefecture, learned the technique of making Raku-ware in Kyoto with the aim of being independent. Around 1889 after returning home, he opened a kiln in Kamifukumoto in Taniyama Town (currently Kamifukumoto Town in Kagoshima City) and showed great devotion to studying Raku-ware and Kuro-Satsuma (Black pottery). He made things like ornaments, incense burners, tea implements and sake cups, of which were praised in 1920 by artist Kuroda Seiki who named them ‘Chotaro-ware’.Also, Ariyama Chosuke is now succeeding as the fourth generation (more…)

Uguisudani pottery 鶯谷焼

With this pottery, at around 1871, the former Kaga feudal lords Maeda Hajime and Hisada Sobei opened a kiln in Uguisudani, Mukaiyama in Kanazawa to make small pieces as a hobby. After three or four years it was abandoned but had been inherited by the first generation Yokohagi Ikko and second generation Ikkou, Uguisudani Shohei, Nozaki Sakichi, Tomita Tadao, and Noga Hanayama.The style differs depending on each potter, but the ones that apply Mokubei-style painting are commonplace. (more…)

Yasaka pottery 八坂焼

One of the Kyo-ware kilns built in what is now Yasaka, Higashiyama ward in Kyoto (around Gion, Shijo and Gojo) around the early Edo period (1624-44 of the Kanei era).Furthermore, the details of the person who opened the kiln and the potter who engaged in production are currently largely unknown. (more…)

Maiko pottery 舞子焼

It began when Kinugasa Sohei who was from Yamada Village, Akashi District in Harima Province (formerly Yamada Town, Nada Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture) made thin pottery modeled on Kyoto’s Awata-ware around the Kansei era, and sold it as a souvenir of Maikohama. However it was temporarily abolished in its second generation, but was revived during the Tenpo era, by a person from the same village named Takata Tsuchinosuke.In addition to the above, around the seventh year of the Bunka era Mikuni Kyuhachi from Okuradani (Okuradani of Akashi City) originated a kiln which fired goods for everyday use such as (more…)

Niroku pottery 二六焼

The first generation Sasaki Niroku (1857-1935), who had been engaged in the production of roof tiles for generations, was deeply impressed at seeing Matsumoto Kisaburo’s dolls in Tokushima in 1883, and aimed to become a puppeteer there, but in 1887 he moved into ceramics and went around to kiln sites in each region for training. After that, he returned to his hometown and built a kiln to make Niroku-ware that was hand-carving realistic depictions of motifs of things like crabs, tigers and landscapes into ceramic receptacles and producing ornaments of people and lions etc., with amazing natural colors. Since then (more…)

Seikanji pottery 清閑寺焼

Around 1670, an apprentice of Nonomura Ninsei opened a kiln at an old kiln site around Seikanji Temple in Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City. There are various theories that in the Hotoku era (1449-1452) Otowaya Kuroemon opened a kiln, and in the Genna era (1615-24) a kiln was opened by a Buddhist minister of rites at Seikanji Temple etc., but there is nothing definitive about such things as the time of origin and manufacturers, and it is one type of pottery where little is known.Currently, Kyo-ware artist Sugita Shohei develops excellent tea bowls in the style of Ninsei’s color painting, (more…)

Kamijiyama pottery 神路山焼

Pottery originated by Kamiyama Unosuke in Ujiyamada of Mie Prefecture around 1905, also known as Kamiji-ware.Kamiyama first practiced pottery with Shigaraki-ware and then Akogi-ware, and served as the manager of an Akogi-ware factory (abandoned in 1900), which had become an incorporated organization. After that, he called on potters and painters from Shigaraki and Seto etc., and originated Kamijiyama-ware. It is pottery that draws on the style of Akogi-ware, and is made mainly focusing on receptacles for daily life. (more…)

Edo-Korakuen pottery 江戸後楽園焼

The predominant theory is that the Oniwa-ware which was fired at Korakuen – the Edo residence for the Mito-Tokugawa family – originated at the invitation of Kyoto’s Raku Chonyu (seventh generation Raku Kichizaemon) around the Horeki era (1751-64).For this reason, Raku ware-style early works remain, but around the Tenpo era (1830-44), Cochin-ware that was modeled on Kairakuen-ware of the Tokugawa family of the Kishu domain was also fired.Also, works made by sixth generation feudal lord Tokugawa Narinobu, and seventh generation feudal lord Tokugawa Nariaki themselves also remain. Narinobu affixed the name of ‘Kanaeyama’ to his work, and Nariaki affixed the (more…)

Okayama-Korakuen pottery 岡山後楽園焼

Also known as Asahikawa pottery. It is said to have originated around the Shotoku era (1711-15) and is Oniwa-ware of the Ikeda clan in Bizen Province.Works which center around Bizen color painting remain, but the works made by the feudal lords themselves retain a Raku-ware-style. Among them, the third feudal lord Ikeda Tsugumasa’s (1702-1767) work is said to be particularly excellent.Also, it was called Asahikawa-ware as well, based on the Asahi River flowing through Korakuen, and continued until the end of the Edo period. However, it was discontinued due to the repair work of Asahi River’s bank during the Tenpo (more…)

Kaseyama porcelain 鹿背山焼

Porcelain fired in Kaseyama of the Soraku district in Kyoto Prefecture originated when the Ichijo family (Kaneka), who were feudal lords of the area, tried to build up the industry by inviting in Morimoto Sukezaemon, a potter from Nara. It continued until the Meiji era.Mainly dyed blue and white with a seal (also known as Kase copperplate-ware), it produces plates, bowls, and green tea (Sencha) bowls. Many of the pattern designs are of Chinese descent, such as Shozui-style, Chinese figures, hermits, flowers and birds, and dragons. (more…)

Hira pottery 比良焼

It is said that the pottery from Kido in Omi Province (currently Kido of Shika Town in Shiga Prefecture) was produced at the foot of the Hira Mountains, but the period it officially began and when it was abandoned are unknown.It is said that the potters of Kyo-ware such as Ninsei and his apprentices were involved, often leaving works like Gohon-style or Kizeto-style, and there are ones remaining where ‘Hira’ (比良) or ‘Hira’ (比羅) are inscribed. (more…)

Ashiwara pottery 芦原焼

Pottery originated by Kuze Tensei (1878-1933) in 1914 in the Awara Onsen region of Fukui Prefecture, using clay from the same area to produce various Kyo-ware-style receptacles.At first, it had the feeling of being a souvenir from Awara Onsen, but it gradually became more artistic, and was painted by iron glazing and dyeing, and even won prizes in exhibitions and such.Currently, the third generation Kuze Takesuke has taken over production as the potter. (more…)

Seta pottery 瀬田焼

One of the Seven Kilns of EnshuThere are many unknowns about the origin of this pottery, such as the theory that it was founded as an official kiln by Suganuma Sadayoshi (1587-1643), lord of Zeze Castle, who was a close friend of Hon’ami Koetsu and Kobori Enshu, and that it had already been fired before that time.Ishikawa Tadafusa (1583-1650), an apprentice of Kobori Enshu, succeeded Sadayoshi as lord of the castle, built a kiln in Oe, Seta, and had the family of potter Tarouemon produce only tea ceramics (this is said to be the reason for the Enshu seven kilns). (more…)

Kosobe pottery 古曽部焼

Kosobe ware is pottery produced in Kosobe, Settsu Province (Kosobe Town, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture). Their kiln was established somewhere between the end of the Momoyama period and the start of the Edo period. After the era from 1624–1643, the kiln was temporarily shut down in the mid-Edo period. However, it is said that around 1790, the founder, Igarashi Shinpei (died in 1829), who had learned pottery techniques in Kyoto, established a climbing kiln in the town currently known as Kosobe, Takatsuki City, and restored Kosobe ware.Most Kosobe ware products have a pottery mark on them. The marks they used (more…)

Suigetsu pottery 水月焼

The founder, Yoshikawa Tsunekata, was born on May 6th, 1883 in Toricho, Iyo Matsuyama, as the eldest son of Yoshikawa Bakotsu (pseudonym), a Kano school artist. Since childhood, he has been dedicated to painting, but also very fond of pottery. When he was 20, he discovered good-quality potter’s clay in Kinuyama, a western suburb in Matsuyama. “I want to express paintings in more dimensions,” said Tsunekata. He built a kiln in the garden in earnest, and founded his hobby kiln, Suigetsu ware.He perfected the theme of Suigetsu ware, which was a lively crab, in 1921, after getting a red-clawed crab (more…)

Himeji pottery 姫路焼

It’s another name for Higashiyama-ware. It became a kiln for the Himeji Sakai family and firing went on there until around 29, and moved to Himeji Otokoyama in 31. For the work around this time, the products were particularly excellent because Ogata Shuhei, a Kyo-ware potter at that time, was invited in and asked for his guidance and such, However, when the Ansei era came, he became independent of the Sakai family and switched to production with private potters, and in 1876 of the Meiji era, established the workshop ‘Eiseisha’, changing to mainly producing porcelain for export. At the time (more…)

Minoh pottery 箕面焼

When the Matsuda Kizan (Matsuda Shiyo 1889-1961) visited Minoh in the northern part of Osaka Prefecture in 1921, she was shown the autumn leaves of the area, and wondered how she could express these vivid vermilion colors in ceramics. After repeated trial and error, she completed a Raku-ware-style work of marbled red glaze, which was named Minoh-ware by Kobayashi Ichizo at her first solo exhibition at Hankyu Department Store in 1937, and is the origin of its name.Since then, the second generation of Matsuda Kizan has inherited that traditional technique (the second generation’s new work is not marbled, but has (more…)

Asahi pottery (Azuma pottery) 旭焼 (吾妻焼)

1890-1896It is a low-fired pottery of high artistic value, with ancient Japanese painting techniques applied under the glaze originated by Gottfried Wagner in 1883. Wagner was devoted to glaze research at that time, and applied the vigorous brush strokes of Japanese painting to ceramics. He used a chalky substance which had not been used in Japanese-style ceramics and porcelain before, and through trial and error with an underglaze technique of applying a glaze after painting, he did one experiment after another at such places as Tokyo Edogawa factories as well as at Kato Tomotaro’s kiln in Seto. As a result, (more…)

Kameyama porcelain 亀山焼 (甕山焼)

Around 1804 in Nagasaki Kameyama, a kiln was opened under the orders of Nagasaki magistrate Hida Bungonokami Yoritsune, and production was mainly done by a potter called Ogami Jingobei. Also, in 1854, when Kyoto’s Miura Kenya visited Nagasaki to study shipbuilding techniques he helped with producing ceramics and such, but it gradually fell more and more into decline and kilns were abandoned. In 1859, he aimed to revive the industry around the time Okabe Suruganokami Nagatsune was magistrate, but there were financial difficulties which immediately led to the complete abandoning of kilns. Many of the products are Imari-style blue and (more…)

Kanei Kiln 鐘渓窯

A kiln in the name of Kawai Kanjiro. The kiln is named Kanei which comes from the name of its town (Kanei Town of Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City), and was inherited from the fifth generation Kiyomizu Rokubei in 1920. At the time he was producing early Chinese and Joseon dynasty-style work, he made them using Kanei kiln as the signature for the boxes and ceramic seals, or Kanei kiln for just the boxes only. However in 1926, he came to take part in Mingei Undo(Folk Crafts), and from then on he gradually had a style of putting ‘Kan’ on (more…)

Nanki-Otokoyama porcelain 南紀男山焼

Nanki-Otokoyama ware is centered on blue and white dyed porcelain that was started by Sakiyama Rihe under the patronage of the Kishu Domain, after his experience with Takamatsu-ware in 1827. A kiln was opened at Hachimangura in Wakayama castle town Minamihiro Village. Although he continued to produce after the Meiji Restoration, when Rihe died in 1875, the quality of the work fell along with sales, and the kiln was abandoned in 1878. Still, even now there are works that have the Otokoyama inscription, but they are simple souvenirs that retain the traditions, such as sake cups and tea cups. The (more…)

Nanki-Takamatsu pottery 南紀高松焼

It is ceramics of Kii Province (Wakayama). It preceded Kosobe-ware, which prospered as Kishu Domain’s Oniwa-ware, opening its kiln in 1827. A potter called Sakiyama Rihe made trial pottery at a kiln at Wakayama castle town Takamatsu, and it is one type of pottery that was only fired for a short time and extremely few exist. As with Otokoyama-ware, the style centers on blue and white dyed porcelain, and produced cylindrical shaped vases and tea implements. Again, hardly any Aka-e or painted works remain. (more…)

Mizoro pottery 御菩薩焼

Though it is a type of Kyo-ware, it is said this pottery still has many mysteries to this day. First, there is one theory that in the early 1600s, a potter by the name of Manemon started to make replicas of Chinese, Goryeo, and Shigaraki on the banks of the Midoro-ga-ike Pond in Rakuhoku, Kamigamo, after which he produced thin tea implements represented by Kyo-ware. However, there is another theory that at a later time a potter who called himself Gensuke, who had been a student of Ninsei, had built a kiln there to make Ninsei-style colored pottery. To this (more…)

Iwakura pottery 岩倉焼

There is a prevailing theory that when Ninsei’s students became independent, they built a kiln in Iwakura, Rakuhoku in Kyoto, but there are many unclear points about details beyond that. Works other than Ninsei’s colored art that remain, include things like blue and white dyeing and Sabi-e (rust painting). Also, it is believed that Iwakurayama Kichibe who made pottery in Awataguchi in later years, may be a descendant of Iwakura-ware potters. (more…)

Hyochien 瓢池園

1873-1909Kawahara Noritatsu who was the secretary of the ceramics factory office at the Vienna World’s Fair took over after it dissolved there, and from a factory setup in 1873 which specialized in ceramic painting to be exported, he ordered unglazed ceramics from Seto’s Kato Shigeju and Arita etc., gathered brilliant ceramic painting craftsmen, and developed realistic painting in a Japanese-like style. That technique was evaluated many times at exhibitions in Japan and overseas, and although built for a period of time, in the later years they fell into financial difficulties and became the exclusive factory of Morimura Gumi (currently Noritake (more…)

Mori pottery 母里焼

This is a type of Izumo ware. Matsudaira Naooki, the feudal lord of the Mori Domain, a subsidiary domain of the Izumo Matsue Domain, invited Ishihara Zenemon and opened this kiln. It was later moved to Tenma in Higashi-Mori Haradai but was abolished soon after. Ueda Musashi inherited this kiln in 1847 and operated it under the name of Kamitenma ware. However, the kiln was moved to Toyooka in 1850, and the works were called Toyooka ware. Then, after the abolition of the feudal domains and establishment of prefectures, Inagaki Mohei returned to the original land and opened a kiln (more…)

Ito porcelain 意東焼

This is a type of Izumo ware and a general term for the works produced when the ceramic production locations of the Matsue Domain (the Ito ware kiln, Nagatoshiyama ware kiln, Hatogamineyama ware kiln. etc.) were moved to Ito Village in Ou Country in Izumo Province (present-day Higashi-Izumo, Yatsuka, Shimane) during the late-Edo period (there are theories that this happened in 1832 or during the Bunka era). Other potters and Arita (Imari) painters were invited under the management of the domain to produce a wide range of teacups, incense burners, and other items based on the tastes of the feudal (more…)

Tokoji pottery 東光寺焼

The 2nd generation Nakano Geirin from the Karatsu ware Nakano kiln started this kiln in Hagi in 1881 and mainly produced tea-things for green tea and handicrafts, but the kiln was abolished when Geirin passed away. Matsumura Shichiro reopened the kiln later, and it has been passed down to the current 4th generation Matsumura Takuo. db.yamahaku.pref.yamaguchi.lg.jp東光寺焼花瓶 (more…)

Nanzan pottery 南山焼

This type of earthenware was also known as Shusai ware and originated when Asai Shusai, the wealthy merchant from Osaka, retreated to Hatogamine, Yawata in Yamashiro Province (present-day Minamiyama Yawata, Kyoto) in 1758 during the Edo period and started a kiln there to start firing earthenware. He brought soil from various domains and provinces and fired copies of various vessels from around the country. These works were collectively called “Yahata Nanzan kiln” and were highly treasured in Kyoto. This type of earthenware came to an end when Shusai passed away at the age of 80, but was restored during the (more…)

Oshikoji pottery 押小路焼

This type of earthenware is said to have been started by “Shozaemon” and “Sukezaemon,” the sons of Kuemon from Sanmonjiya (the originator of Awata ware), who opened a kiln in Awataguchi in Kyoto and was the teacher of Ninsei, at Oshikoji Higashinotoin Higashi-hairu in 1624. In addition, Kenzan’s ceramic technique book of secrets states “In east Yanaginobanba, Oshikoji, Kyoto, there is one called Sukezaemon from Ichimonjiya who is a teacher of Oshikoji ware who has inherited methods of the Chinese for firing in an inner kiln.” It continued until the Meiwa era (1764 – 1772), and many copies of Ninsei’s (more…)

Imado pottery 今戸焼

This is a general term for terracotta ceramics fired in Imado, Hashiba, and its surroundings in Edo (northeast Asakusa). Everyday bowls, tea-things, clay figurines, braziers, flowering pots, tiles, and other items were produced. Shirai Hanshichi was a famous potter from this kiln. Sumidagawa ware, which was favored by the cultured and tea ceremony masters, was located nearby. www.city.taito.lg.jp今戸焼作り　台東区ホームページ (more…)

Wakasa pottery 若狭焼

Oka Zenbei took over his family business of creating tiles and other earthenware in Wakasa, Echizen during the mid-Edo period, but he went to Kiyomizu, Kyoto when he was around 17 years old to train under Aoki Mokubei regarding Kyo ware with a focus on tea sets for green tea. He also trained in Bizen and other places before returning home at the age of 40 to produce teacups and originate this style of earthenware. He produced teacups, ornaments, hot plates, pots, and various other items with a focus on terracotta. His pots were particularly favored, and he created thin, (more…)

Kozan pottery 菰山焼

This type of earthenware is from the Ise Province (Mie Prefecture) and lasted for 3 generations from the late-Edo period (Koka era from 1848 – 1848). At first, the name of Kozan ware was bestowed on the work produced by the village potter Doi Ichizo (Bokubokusai) by the feudal lord Hijikata Yamashiro no Kami. He mainly fired elegant tea sets and tea bowls. The kiln was abolished temporarily, but the 1st generation Miyata Rakuoku regretted this and opened a kiln in 1926 to restore Kozan ware. It has been passed down to the current 4th generation owner Miyata Hozan. (more…)

Yashima pottery (Tohin pottery) 八島焼 (陶濱焼)

This type of earthenware was made in Takamatsu in Sanuki Province during the Tenpo era (1830 – 1844) in the late-Edo period. It was started by Akamatsu Itaro, the son of Akamatsu Rosen, the potter from Takamatsu, and it came to be known as Tohin ware from the name that he gave himself. He created many Aka-raku ware tea sets were made using the soil from the site of the Battle of Yashima during the Genpei War and received protection from the domain to produce works commissioned by them. However, the name of the style changed to Yashima ware (a (more…)

Ryoanji pottery 龍安寺焼

The 1st generation Shima Kahei, a potter of the Daigo kiln, produced this type of earthenware, which included Raku ware tea bowls, through a recommendation from the 58th generation Matsukura Shoei from Ryoanji Temple. The bottom of the cursive “Ryoanji” mark contains the rounded square “Rakuami” mark. “Rakuami” comes from the name of “Rakuami” that was given to the 1st generation Kahei. (more…)

Otafukuan pottery (Daigo pottery) 於多福庵焼 (醍醐焼)

This type of earthenware is from Daigo in the southeast of Yamashiro Province (Kyoto Prefecture) that is believed to be from the late-Edo period (1830 – 1855). The potters are also not made clear, but there are the 1st and 2nd generation who went by the name of Otafukuan and used the following mark. Therefore, this name remains, but the works were also called Daigo ware from the location of the kiln. The style is similar to Banko ware, as the works were fine and included masterful handicrafts, such as pots and small plates, However, hardly any of the works (more…)

Kameyama pottery 花明山焼

This kiln was started by Deguchi Naohi, the 3rd generation founder of the Oomoto religion, in 1954 in Tenonkyo, Kameoka, Kyoto. It was named Kameyama since Kameoka was also called Kameyama, but with different characters. It started when the old kiln in Kyoto of the potter Uno Sango was inherited and Kaneshige Sozan of Bizen ware was invited to direct this kiln. At the start of this kiln, works by Kaneshige Toyo and Ishiguro Munemaro, in addition to Sozan, were fired here. Since then, works were created, with Hyuga Yoshihiro from Oomoto playing a central role. High-quality soil from the (more…)

Murasakino pottery 紫野焼

Kakutei, the owner of an aburi-mochi shop in Monzen, Daitokuji, Murasakino, Kyoto, fired Raku ware tea bowls with the marks of “Murasaki” and “Murasakino” written by the Buddhist priest Chuho from Shogetsuan in Daitokuji around the Bunka era (1804 – 1818) in the late-Edo period to start this style of earthenware. It has also been restored by Fujii Kaido, the Buddhist priest from Daitokuji, in the Showa era, resulting in Murasakino ware from the Edo period and modern Murasakino ware. (more…)

Karasaki pottery 唐崎焼

This type of earthenware was fired in Karasaki in Shiga Village in Emi Province (present-day Karasaki, Otsu, Shiga) around the Kyoho era (1716 – 1735). Although there are no details on the producer, it is said to be earthenware based on the Eight Views of Omi. There are many pieces that have a white Haku-yu glaze with a slight blue tint with ferrous paintings of pine cones and old pine trees. Aka-raku works that imitate Raku Ryonyu and Sanyu have also been confirmed. (more…)

Bairin pottery 梅林焼

This type of earthenware is from Beppo in the Zeze Domain in Omi Province around the Kyowa and Bunka eras (1801 – 1818). A man who went by Odawara Ihei from this area used clay from the Nakanojo Japanese plum forest to produce copies of yellow, blue, and purple Cochin ware. He produced highly elegant works, with a focus on teacups, lid holders, jars, pots, incense containers, and other tea bowls, but the kiln was abolished after the 1st generation Ihei. In addition, a man who went by Bairin Kinsaburo restored this style later in the Bunsei era (1818 – (more…)

Okei pottery 鶯渓焼

This type of earthenware has many theories surrounding it, and marks that have been confirmed include Okei inside a square frame and Okei inside an oval frame. Theory 1 The theory of Edward S. Morse (a researcher and collector of ancient Japanese ceramics who has greatly contributed to the appraisal of ancient ceramics) presents that this type of earthenware is from around the Kansei era (1789 – 1790) and a type of Bairin ware from Omi Province. Theory 2 Although the producer is unknown, this type of earthenware was fired in Okei, Uguisudani, Edo around the mid- to late-Edo period. (more…)

Yanagihara pottery 柳原焼

This type of earthenware originated when Arima Yorinori, the 9th generation feudal lord of the Kurume Domain, started a kiln in Yanagihara garden in the outermost region of the Kurume Castle in 1829. Potters from various regions were gathered to fire tea bowls and copies of earthenware from the region and beyond. High-quality Kyushu porcelain clay was used, while the glazes were brought by ship from Tsushima Island near the Korean peninsula. As a result, expenses piled up, and the kiln is said to have only been in operation for the short period between 1832 – 1836. As a result, (more…)

Nosayama porcelain 能茶山焼

A potter who was descended from Odo ware, which existed from before in Tosa, started this kiln in Nosayama (present-day Kamobe, Kochi) in 1820. This kiln was operated by the Tosa Domain and produced earthenware that was affected by the trend of Imari ware porcelain at the time. Higuchi Tomizo, the potter from Hizen who also worked on Tobe ware, and the painter Kozo were particularly central in the success of this style. The fact that high-quality porcelain clay could be excavated from near Nosayama also played a part in its rapid success, and it greatly contributed to the thriving (more…)

Furuichi porcelain 古市焼

This type of earthenware is from Furuichi Village in Taki County in Taｍba Province. The origins of this kiln are unknown, as it is thought to be a branch kiln of Mita ware, Since there are existing works with a signature of 1815, works have been fired in this kiln since at least then. In addition, Kanda Sobei from Mita ware came to this land to create works favored by the feudal lord of the Aoyama Domain, and there is a probably theory that this kiln was abolished when the Sasayama kiln was started. It stands out for its blue (more…)

Nanzenji pottery 南禅寺焼

This type of earthenware was created by Reizan, a monk in Nanzenji Temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, around the beginning of the Meiji era during his free time in the kiln he started in this temple. He left both the circular Reizan mark and Nanzenji mark on his vessels. Although the establishment of his style is unclear because there are few of his works that exist today due to his short production period, but there are a relatively high number of items with green Ryoku-yu glazes on the outside and transparent Tomei-yu glazes on the inside. In addition, since there were (more…)

Ikaho pottery 伊香保焼

As also known as Senka pottery. A potter named Senka produced this type of earthenware in Ikaho Hot Springs in Gunma Prefecture around 1881 – 1882.He mainly produced Raku ware teacups and vessels with the marks of “Senka” or “Ikaho ware” and sold them as souvenirs. Since the production period was short, works that exist today are rare, but they are said to have a style with a thin level of elegance.In addition, the real name, birthplace, and years of birth and death are unknown for Senka. (more…)

Kin’unken 錦雲軒

This is a kiln in Awataguchi, Kyoto that Osaki Kyubei operated from the Bakumatsu to the Meiji era.At first, it mainly produced painted ceramics, such as patterns of painted plants and flowers, that were unique to Awata ware, but once the Meiji era began, it started to engage in overseas trading with Kinkozan and Obiyama. In addition, when the Kyoto Prefectural Government established an office to encourage industry and promoted the research and improvement of various handicrafts, Osaki Kyubei incorporated cloisonne techniques into his company to produce ceramics and cloisonne ware to be sold overseas.For cloisonne ware, he started the (more…)

Mizunodaira pottery 水の平焼

Mizuno ware is pottery from the Higo Province (Kumamoto Prefecture) and has been active from the mid-Edo period to the present. It is said to have originated in 1765 when Okabe Jobei bought the rights from Yamagawa Tokuzo, who had originally been creating pottery in Yamanita in Hondo Village in Amakusa County in Higo Province, and started firing pottery after moving the kiln to Mizunodaira in the same village.At the beginning, he was firing pottery without any glazes, but he gradually began to use glazes to create Shodai ware-style vessels. By the time of the 2nd generation Tomijiro, Namako-yu glazes (more…)

Soen pottery 桑園焼

Soen ware refers to earthenware created by Ono Minjiro, who was a wealthy man from Nagao, Tamashima, Kurashiki in Bitchu Province and used the name of Soen, as a hobby during the Bunsei and Tenpo eras in the late-Edo period. It is also referred to as Nagao ware from its location.His tea sets of the Raku ware and blue and white pottery styles are also seen, but his copies of Chinese pottery are especially magnificent. (more…)

Kamakura pottery 鎌倉焼

This type of earthenware is from Kamakura during the Meiji era. Kato Tahei Keisho, the potter from Seto, started a kiln in Hase, Kamakura based on a recommendation by the novelist Hoshino Tenichi and began bringing porcelain clay from Seto, Kyoto the following year and started selling famous hand-formed handicrafts, such as pot-hooks with 3 monkeys, and tea sets, which he called Kamakura ware. In 1898, he had the honor of creating works in front of the crown prince (to become Emperor Taisho later).After the 1st generation Keisho passed away in 1909, he left behind his stepson Jirokichi who sold (more…)

Zenmyoji pottery 善明寺焼

This type of earthenware is from a kiln started by Genryo, the 6th generation chief priest of Zenmyoji in Shima Village in Hidaka Country, during the Kyoho era (1716 – 1735) as one of the commissioned kilns of the Kishu Domain. It contains celadon flower vases, jars, and vessels. There are a few Bizen ware-style teacups and water jars that still remain. (more…)

Ubagamochi pottery 姥ヶ餅焼

This type of earthenware originated in Kusatsu in Kurita Country in Omi Province (Kusatsu, Shiga) around the Genbun and Horeki eras of the mid-Edo period (1736 – 1764) when the owner of the Ubagamochi tea shop began firing Raku ware style mochi platters. He gained popularity for adding designs of paintings and lyrics to these platters and began to fire teacups, incense containers, and other tea bowls in addition to mochi platters. For its styles, Raku ware and Cochin ware have been confirmed. There is a theory that the production of the Raku ware pieces was entrusted to Sanyu from (more…)

Onokoro pottery おのころ焼

This type of earthenware was originated by the potter Tamura Kyuhei, who created Minpei ware in Awaji, and his brother Tamura Fukuhei. (more…)

Yoro pottery 養老焼

The noted potter Ohashi Shuji representing the Mino region in the late-Edo period originated this type of earthenware in 1855 at the age of 60 in Yoro in Mino Province. It has been confirmed that works produced by Shuji have spatula-carved block-style marks of “Yoro,” but Yoro ware from this time period is extremely rare, since Shuji passed away 2 years after starting this kiln. Additionally, the major potter Kotani Kaichi from Makida Village in Yoro Country (present-day Kamiishizucho Makida) cooperated with Maeda Kamajiro from Nagoya in 1902 to create tea sets and sell them as Yoro ware in October (more…)

Konko pottery 金光焼

Sakamoto Noboru traveled to the Korean peninsula to research ceramics and returned to Japan in 1925. The potter Sakamoto Noboru started a kiln in Konko, Okayama in 1925 to create this type of earthenware. He invited technicians to start a German-style coal kiln and produced teacups, pots, and flower vases, which he names Konko ware based on the land. (more…)

Suisaka pottery 吸坂焼

Although there are various theories to its origin, the most common explanation is that Maeda Toshitsune, the 3rd generation feudal lord of the Kaga Domain, invited potters from Seto during the Kan’ei era (1624-1644) to fire tea sets in Suisaka village, Kaga. This kiln produced a variety of pottery, including Seto-style, dark brown glazes, Bizen-style works, lapis lazuli glaze, and Korean style pottery. There is a probable theory that the predecessor of Kutani ware that is currently known as Old-Kutani ware was created by improving Suisaka ware. Suisaka pottery, along with Old-Kutani ware, was painted in studio of Daishoji castle, (more…)

Sekisui pottery 赤水焼

This is a type of Mumyoi ware from Sado, Niigata that originated in 1857 when Ito Tomitaro (1st generation Ito Sekisui), who used the name of Sekisui, produced earthenware. It became popular for the Setsubun drinking glass (Oni demon on the bottom and Otafuku at the top) and also produced Shidei pots and tea sets.Since the Meiji era, the 2nd generation Kenzo and 3rd generation Kotaro inherited the kiln and made improvements by adding techniques such as inlaying. At the moment, the 5th generation Ito Sekisui is an important intangible cultural property holder. www.nihonkogeikai.or.jp伊藤赤水の作品一覧-公益社団法人日本工芸会 (more…)

Tamagawa pottery 玉川焼

The Enomoto family home near Koshoji Temple in Sakahama houses earthenware called “Tamagawa ware” fired in this area in the late-Edo period. The Enomoto family had engaged in agriculture in Sakahama Village for generation after generation, but from the time of the 1st generation Rihei (from the Genroku era), it began firing earthen teapots, earthenware mortars, and other miscellaneous vessels using the clay from nearby during the leisure season. It had the shop name of Dobinya for these articles. The 4th generation Rihei went to Seto and Kyoto to train in ceramics before returning to Sakahama Village in 1834 after (more…)

Asama pottery 浅間焼

This type of earthenware was created by the 1st generation Idaka Kizan in 1924 by recreating Mikasa ware using the volcanic ash from Mount Asama in Karuizawa, which its revised name originates from.Since earthenware (Asama ware) could only be produced during the summer in this area, this kiln was only used as a hobby kiln by Kizan, but he continued to produce Asama ware until his late years, as he created matcha tea sets and other masterpieces. (more…)

Mikasa pottery 三笠焼

The businessman Yamamoto Naoyoshi started Mikasa Hotel in Karuizawa, Nagano in 1905 and invited Miyagawa Kozan from Yokohama to start a kiln and produce souvenirs for summer visitors. The kiln was then handed down to Kozan’s apprentice Idaka Kokei (later Idaka Kizan) and again to Kozan’s apprentice Mori Koshu of Mushiage ware but was abolished around the early-Taisho period. (more…)

Toyatei pottery 東野亭焼

This type of earthenware was commissioned by Arima Yorishige, the 11th generation feudal lord of the Kurume Domain in the late-Edo period to be fired in “Toyatei,” the villa of the feudal lord in Higashi-Nonaka. Artists from nearby kilns, such as the Akasaka ware potter Ogata Soichi and the porcelain painter Okamoto Shinkichi, mainly worked to produce works, but this kiln was abolished when the domain was abolished. (more…)

Towadako pottery 十和田湖焼

Morita Gosei, the potter from Kanazawa, came to the lake side of Lake Towada in Aomori Prefecture around 1927 to study the porcelain clay of this area. The following year, he started a kiln and gave the name of Towadako ware to the teacups, censers, incense trays, incense burners, vases, and other earthenware he produced there.He also produced earthenware bells for tourists. (more…)

Shida porcelain 志田焼

Shida ware consists of blue and white ceramics fired in Shida, Shiota, Hizen. The kiln is said to have originated during the Manji era (1652 – 1661), but its precise origins and originator are unknown.In addition, it mass-produced large platters to complement the cuisine at basket shops and teahouses from the late-Edo period and later.This kiln produced many masterpieces with delicate designs of wizards, flowers, tigers, and dragons but only produced regular plates from the Meiji era and later.In addition, it is said that there was no particular distinction with the nearby Imari ware at the time. (more…)

Hakodate pottery 函館焼

This type of earthenware was started by the Hakodate bugyo in 1857 as a way to expand local industry. Adachi Iwaji, an instructive potter from Iwamura Domain in Mino Province was invited to start a kiln in Yachigashira, Hakodate.He mainly produced blue and white ceramics and small items, but the kiln was abolished in 1862 due to economic issues caused by the cold climate and poor quality of the soil in this region. (more…)

Gennai pottery 源内焼

This type of earthenware originated during the Horeki era (1751 – 1764) in Shido in Sanuki Province (present-day Shido, Kagawa) when Hiraga Gennai made improvements to Cochin ware from China. It was an innovative type of earthenware at the time, as it contained lions, maps, and other designs on vessels with green Ryoku-yu glazes. Most of these works were produced by his apprentice Wakita Gengo, who used the name of “Shunmin,” resulting in its other name of Shunmin ware. Also, Yashima ware from the same area is a type of earthenware descending from Gennai ware. (more…)

Rakuzan pottery 楽山焼

This type of earthenware from Matsue, Shimane originated when the Hagi ware potter Kurasaki Gonbee started a kiln in 1677 at the request of Matsudaira Tsunataka, the 2nd generation feudal lord of the Matsudaira clan. This kiln lasted until the 4th generation, after which it was abolished. Later, the 7th generation feudal lord Matsudaira Fumai ordered Nagaoka Sumiemon Sadamasa to start it again. It is also called Izumo ware from the name of the region around the Meiji era. In general, Izumo ware refers to the aforementioned other name of Rakuzan ware, but it can also be used to refer (more…)

Sumida pottery 隅田焼

This type of earthenware originated when the 1st generation Inoue Ryosai started this kiln in 1866 along the Sumida River in Imado, Asakusa with the cooperation of Shimada Sobei, a wealthy merchant in Edo. He produced flower bases with heavy glazes and sculptural decorations of figures, such as wizards and sages, and animals mainly to be exported overseas and was very highly rated by foreigners as “SUMIDA,” as art deco was also popular at the time. In addition, the 2nd and 3rd generation also followed in the footsteps of the 1st generation to produce Sumida ware-style pieces with different marks (more…)

Kinzan pottery 錦山焼

This earthenware is from Shimata Village in Nogi County in Izumo Province (present-day Shimata, Yasugi, Shimane). It was founded in 1858 by Adachi Soemon (commonly known as Aburaya Soemon), who was a purveyor to the Matsudaira Domain. It was named Kinzan Ware after Nishikigaura in the region and mainly produced everyday bowls in the beginning. Since then, the Nakajima family of potters introduced glazes and techniques, and the kiln currently produces tea sets, flower vases, and other items with Shinsha-yu, Gosu-yu, Seiji-yu, and Ame-yu glazes as local traditional goods. yasugi-kankou.com錦山焼窯元 | 安来観光ガイド　-安来市観光協会が安来周辺の観光をお手伝いします- (more…)

Chinoike pottery 血池焼

Originated by the 1st generation Kojima Kanzo from Kamegawa, Beppu, Oita during the Taisho period after he repeatedly trained at kilns throughout the country before returning home to start a kiln. The name of Chinoike ware came about from Chinoike Jigoku in the nearby Kannawa hot springs. He created elegant teacups and tea sets using the distinctive red clay with high iron content from this region. The kiln is still active to this day, as it has been passed down to the 2nd generation Kojima Seu and the 3rd generation Kojima Mitsuo. Only the 1st generation created tea bowls, and (more…)

Fuji pottery 不二焼

This type of earthenware was started during the Bunsei era (1818 – 1830) in Koshinohara Village in Omi Province (present-day Koshinohara, Yasu, Shiga) and was named after Mount Mikami, which is also known as Omi Fuji. It has been said that the owner of the kiln was very fond of the arts and founded the kiln to create tea sets for tea ceremonies with cultured individuals, but the potter is unknown. Since there are also the Kofuji ware from Omi and the Fujimi ware from Seto, close attention must be paid. (more…)

Sasayama pottery 篠山焼

This type of earthenware from Sasayama, Hyogo (present-day Tamba-Sasayama) was started in the early Taisho period by the 1st generation Imamura Seisai, who was a potter from this area, and mainly involved tea bowls. Although the kiln was passed on to the 2nd generation Gennosuke, it was closed in 1935 at the passing of Gennosuke. 1st Generation Imamura Seisai 初代 今村静斎 1890 – 1922 In an attempt to revive Ojiyama ware (the kiln of the Aoyama clan, the feudal lords of the Sasayama Domain), which was abolished around 1869, he studied techniques at the Kyoto Ceramic Research Center, trained under (more…)

Bunzan pottery 文山焼

This type of earthenware from the Bunka to Bunsei era (1804 – 1830) was started by a potter named Bunjiro from Okazaki, Kyoto, who used the name of Bunzan and thrived as an expert of imitation works, as he was adept at Raku ware and ceramic production, particularly in making copies of works by Nonko, Sonyu, and Koetsu. In addition, he produced original earthenware, which includes designs of elegant pine trees and the Ebisu god of wealth on Raku teacups and rare masterpieces painted by Tosa Mitsubumi, but he was not remembered by later generations as a master potter because (more…)

Taishu porcelain (Tatekame Kiln) 対州焼 (立亀窯)

Taishu ware is porcelain from the Tsushima Tachikame region (currently Izuharamachi of Tsushima City in Nagasaki Prefecture), and has been in production since at least before the Kaei era (1848-54), but the period it officially began and when it was abandoned are unknown. From the works that still exist, most is porcelain known as blue and white porcelain or white porcelain with a blue and white inscription of ‘Junsei Tachikame in a double circle’. The kilns are seen as drawing upon the style of Imari. Also, it is said that there were potters known as Juntaro and Uhe, but little (more…)

Sumidagawa pottery 隅田川焼

Around the Bunsei era (1818-), a potter named Sawara Kiku originated Raku-ware-style pottery, in the Edo Mukojima-Hyakkaen using the soil of the Sumida River. It was ceramics making focused on tea bowls, and for the motif, used an oystercatcher as the bowl’s design and shape of incense containers.In addition, because Sawara Kiku had close friendships with leading cultural figures of the time like Kyoto’s Ogata Shuhei, Sakai Hoitsu, and Tani Buncho, Sumidagawa ware became popular as a specialty of Edo and continued until the fourth generation. Second generation Kiku was produced as a gift for the succession of the thirteenth (more…)

Yamashina pottery 山科焼

1917-1930It was made and fired in Nishinoyama of Yamashina City (currently Yamashina Ward) in Kyoto, by Kyoto Kiyomizu second generation, Mashimizu Zoroku.He mainly fired gold brocade and Goryeo-ware. (more…)

Himetani pottery 姫谷焼

Around the Kanbun era (1661-73), pottery was produced in Himeya, Hirose Village of Fukayasu District in Bingo Province (currently Kamo town of Fukayasu district in Hiroshima Prefecture). Mainly Imari -style fired porcelain – excellent works remain, such as Aka-e (red paintings on ceramics), blue and white porcelain and celadon porcelain. Records remain of a person named Ichiemon who was a potter typical of the time. However, after his death it seemed that kilns were abandoned, there were less periods of production and so there are very few existing works. 広島県教育委員会広島県の文化財 - 姫谷焼色絵皿 - 広島県教育委員会 (more…)

Sasashima pottery 笹島焼

It is a type of Raku-ware that was originated by Maki Bunshichi (Bunkichi, also known as Bokusai), in Sasashima, Nagoya during the Bunsei years (1804-18). He later joined in with the Owari clan’s Oniwa-ware and passed on the technique to the second and third generations, but due to the abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures by the New Meiji Government, kilns were abandoned.At first, the artist’s seal and signature was ‘Shinoshima’, but it was changed to ‘Sasashima’ from around the time of the second generation. So whilst it is difficult to distinguish the second generation from the (more…)

Shinjo-higashiyama pottery 新庄東山焼

Higashiyama is the common name for the hilly area in the eastern part of Shinjo City in Yamagata Prefecture, where the village is covered with a thick layer of clay. Wakui Yahei, the founder of Higashiyama-yaki pottery, was a potter from Echigo, who fell in love with the Higashiyama potter’s clay as he traveled around the region as an apprentice, and opened the kiln in 1841 as an official kiln for the Shinjo-Tozawa domain. The raw materials are still collected from the kiln’s premises, and due to the characteristics of well-fired pottery, it is highly valued for its strength and (more…)

Rozan pottery 露山焼

This earthenware came under the patronage of Nishi Hongan-ji Temple in Kyoto around the Bunsei era (1818 – 1830).At its early stage, works were fired in Yamashina and by Takahashi Dohachi at Seikanji Temple. (more…)

Sobokai pottery 祖母懐焼

Sobokai also read as Ubagafutokoro. To this day, there are various theories, and a clear kiln location has not been identified.It is said to have been started by Kato Kagemasa, the potter from Seto. The signature of Ubagafutokoro was found on Ofuke ware from around the Genna period (1615–1624), while symbols from this kiln are also found in works fired at Toyama in the Owari Domain. We anticipate further research to identify the kiln. Sobokai clayThere is a legend that “the potter Toshiro (Kato Shirozaemon) found suitable clay for pottery in Seto, Sobokai, and settled in Seto to make pottery (more…)

Uchide pottery 打出焼

It started in present-day Uchide Town in Ashiya City in Hyogo Prefecture, around the Meiji era.The Kyo ware styles were mainly used, and Sakaguchi Sazan fired tea sets and flower vases.It would go on to be absorbed by another kiln due to the housing development of the surrounding area. The 1st generation Tozan was from this kiln. (more…)

Tozan pottery 東山焼

It started in present-day Higashiyama in Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture.It mainly focused on blue and white Arita ware and eventually came under the patronage of the Sakai clan in Himeji Domain.Around the Tenpo era, the kiln was moved to Otokoyama. In addition to blue and white pottery, it creates a wide range of earthenware including the celadon and gold leaf styles. (more…)

Nishiura Porcelain 西浦焼

This is porcelain from Tajimi City in Gifu Prefecture.This kiln opened during Bakumatsu with a focus on pottery stemming from Imari porcerain.It began manufacturing porcelain in earnest due to the abolition of Domains in Meiji 4 (1871) and made efforts to exporting after gaining national acclaim in the Meiji 30s, but it came to an end when its factory was closed in Meiji 44 (1911).It incorporated Western technologies and studied raised designs and underglazing in particular from an early stage.It created many designs that represent the Meiji era. www.tajimi-bunka.or.jp西浦焼 ｜ 所蔵品カテゴリ ｜ 多治見市美濃焼ミュージアム (more…)

Shiga pottery 志賀焼

Around Kyoho 11 (1726), Hirayama Ishun built this kiln in Izuhara on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture under patronage.Around the Kansei era, it became a public kiln that mainly fired tea bowls.Around the Bunka era, Yoshida Mataichi copied Korean teacups with good qualities.It was then succeeded by Kyuemon (2nd generation), Aisuke (3rd generation), and Yasuhito (4th generation) before closing as a kiln. (more…)

Kotoura pottery 琴浦焼

Wada Kujuro opened a kiln in Taisha Village in Nishinomiya in Meiji 34 (1901). His second son Masae (1st generation Tozan) moved the kiln to Higashi Sakuragi Town in Amagasaki City and named it Kotoura Kiln after the local area as the origin of this style.At first, only Raku ware was fired, but it has fired various types of earthenware to date.The 4th generation Wada Tozan, who is currently in charge, was born in Showa 22 (1947).He thrived as the head of the Hanshin Chapter Muko-higashi Youth Group.It stands out for its yakishime (high-fired unglazed) earthenware that utilizes splendid and (more…)

Kinkazan pottery 金華山焼

Kinkazan ware has a long history, as earthenware made by Kato Kagemasa (3rd generation Fujishiro), the potter from Seto, around the Einin era (1293 – 1299) serves as its origin.There are two theories regarding the origin of its name. The first states that this earthenware is made using soil from Mount Kinka in Gifu Prefecture, while the other states that the color of the glaze after it has been fired is beautiful like a golden flower.After the years passed since then, Oda Nobunaga gathered potters from Seto during the Sengoku period and offered them patronage to create pottery at the (more…)

Isuzu pottery 五十鈴焼

This type of earthenware started in Mie Prefecture in 1910 by becoming independent from Akogi ware, which was a type of earthenware that represented this prefecture from before. At the time, it was known as Isuzu-gawa ware, since it was created near the Isuzu River, but the “gawa” portion of the name was gradually dropped, as it would come to be traded as Isuzu ware.To add, Morishita Mokuji, who is known for his Tokoname ware, is included among the representative potters of this style. (more…)

Sanda celadon 三田焼

Sanda celadon was an attempt by Japan to recreate the Chinese Longquan celadon. During the mid-18th century, in Sanda city of the present-day Hyogo prefecture, the potter Uchida Chube sought financial investment from the wealthy merchant Kanda Sobe. Kanda responded to Uchida’s passion and with his support, Uchida began his work. Later, in Kyoto, he met the master craftsman Kinkodo Kamesuke, and they focused on the mass production of excellent molded ceramics. They were successful in making celadon that rivaled even the Longquan celadon, and the fame of the “Sanda celadon” grew rapidly.The Bunka and Bunsei eras (1804-1830) were a (more…)

Mumyoi pottery 無名異焼

Mumyoi is a type of red soil which contains a rich amount of iron oxide which is produced from around the Gold Mine, and the Mumyoi pottery uses it as its pottery clay, which is then baked at high temperatures. The character of the clay is such that it requires special work such as polishing while raw and then polishing it with sand after baking it. In addition, the pottery clay goes through “elutriation” – a way to get rid of sand and impurities in the process of balancing the clay particles – using a 200-mesh sieve which makes the (more…)

Uji pottery 宇治焼

This is a type of Kyo-yaki pottery from Uji City, Kyoto, which is thought to have been produced during the Kan’ei period (1624-1644). It is mentioned in an old book called “TokiRui-shu”. (more…)

Isooniwa pottery 磯御庭焼

The kiln was built in 1855-1860 as a clan kiln with the support of Shimazu Nariakira, the head of the Satsuma clan.He made full use of brocade and gold brocade to produce the highest quality Satsuma ware.The kiln was closed in 1862. (more…)

Ippodo pottery 一方堂焼

One of the Kyo ware. This pottery was made by Suminokura Gennei (1800－1873), who invited Ninami Dohachi to build a kiln at his cottage in Sagano during the Tenpo period (1800－1873).Mainly tea ceremony pottery and there are few relics. (more…)

Kagamiyama pottery 鏡山焼

Also known as Unkanji ware and Hakoishiyama ware.It is now presumed to have been fired in the mid-Edo period in the vicinity of Mikami village, Yasu-gun, Shiga Prefecture.There are many thinly made and very good tea ceremony utensils. (more…)

Inkyuuzan pottery 因久山焼

Inkyuuzan ware was mentioned under the name of Kunoji ware in the Inaba Mindanki book, which was published in 1688.In the mid-18th century, Kiyomizu Rokubei was invited from Kyoto to Yazu District, Tottori Prefecture, and the kiln was built. The kiln was later supported by Tottori’s Ikeda Domain and became one of their domain kilns. In the Bunka period, the Shigaraki potters, Kansuke and his son, Kanzo, implemented Shigaraki and era-specific techniques.After that, their business declined rapidly from the Meiji period. In 1925, the kiln was reformed and their business expanded greatly.They made many products including tea utensils, flower vases, (more…)

Awaji pottery 淡路焼

This type of earthenware was created by Kashu Minpei from Iga Village in Mihara District on Awaji Island during the Bunsei era in the late Edo period and even came under the patronage of the Tokushima Domain in the late Tenpo era.Its designs, which include copies of Kyo ware, which were made under the guidance of Ogata Shuhei, copies of Cochin ware, and sancai ware, are varied and diverse.Minpei fell ill during the Bunkyu era and had Sanpei, the son of his younger brother, succeed him before retiring. It converted to the corporation of Tantosha in the Meiji era.It is (more…)

Asagiri pottery 朝霧焼

A pottery of Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture. It is a type of Akashi ware.It is said that Tezuka Magoichiro, an Akashi magistrate at that time, invited Yamazaki Kikutaro to fire this pottery.It was most popular in the mid-Edo period (17c) and continued until the Meiji period (19c).Famous potters of Asagiri ware include Toda Yoshitaro and Seitaro Akimine. (more…)

Arashiyama pottery 嵐山焼

The pottery of Kyoto Sagano. Also known as Saga ware.In the mid-1800s, a copy of Kiyomizu ware was fired and sold as a souvenir.The kiln was destroyed in the early 1900s. (more…)

Akogi pottery 阿漕焼

It is believed that Akogi ware was founded by Nunami Suiga, apprentice of Nunami Rozan, the founder of Banko ware. With an invitation from the Todo clan, Suiga established a kiln in the village known as Anto Village at that time, and started making pottery. (Mid-Edo period–Late Edo period.)That is why it was called Anto ware at first. After that, the kiln was moved to the Baba Family Residence, near the castle town. From that time on, they have taken the name “Akogi ware” after Akogiura, and their kiln was used as the official kiln for the domain. They mainly (more…)