The appeal of bright-coloured Cochin ware
In Hiyoshi, Kyoto area famous for the distinguished ceramics production, Koshun-gama has been producing impressive vibrant-coloured Cochin ware for three generations. A wide variety of items—everything from tea utensils to casual tableware—is created here using icchin, or tube lining decorating technique. The edges of patterns are defined with the relief lines made by squeezing soft clay through a nozzle. After applying a colored glaze, the low-temperature firing takes place, bringing out the distinctive Cochin ware colours. All the processes are performed by the same artisan, who is willing to create new order-made items.

The warm simplicity of Raku ware pottery
Rakunyu-gama is a kiln mastering the traditional techniques of Raku-yaki, highly prized pottery used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Its activities are centered around the production of matcha tea bowls, as well as various flower vases, incense containers and plates. As Raku ware is moulded by hand without the use of a potter’s wheel, its charm lies in a warm and rustic appearance. Developed as a part of Kyoto culture, its technique and texture differ from those of the typical Kyoto ware. Along with the creation of Raku-yaki, characterized by low-temperature firing, Rakunyu-gama is also striving to create light-colored ceramics.

The inherited techniques of Kyoto-style pottery
Shunzan-gama is a third-generation pottery maker located in Sennyu-ji temple area which has long been abundant in kilns. The studio has inherited the distinguishing style of Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743), a potter active in the middle of the Edo period. The works of Shunzan-gama are well known for their characteristic flower designs completely covering the surface which still preserves the tenderness of soft clay. The studio creates the earthenware adapted to the modern lifestyle, mastering the colorful painting and openwork carving techniques of Kyoto-style pottery cultivated through its 100-year-old history.

Modern Folk Craft ceramics
Kawai studio was founded by Takeichi Kawai, the nephew of Kanjiro Kawai, a prominent potter and key figure of Mingei movement. Pottery created here is both functional and decorative, keeping Mingei philosophy alive. Raised in Kawai family, the actual 3rd-generation Master potter Akiteru Kawai is the heir of the folk craft tradition. Usually, Kyoto pottery is produced by the division of labour, but in order to maintain the uniform style of his works, Akiteru handles all the steps of pottery making himself. Crafting a vast range of pottery from tea bowls to tableware and flower vases, he is passing down the heritage of Japanese folk craft to the future generations.

Kyoyaki / Kiyomizuyaki pottery Touan was founded in 1922 at Higashiyama Sennyuji Temple in Kyoto. There are approximately 20 craftsmen working on the molding and painting in the main pottery studio.

Touan  is characterized by its vivid colors and unparalleled strength. 　Kiyomizuyaki is known for its “overglaze painting,”　but  Touan uses “underglaze painting,”

The fourth generation of Yoshiaki Dobuchi, now the head of the pottery, developed and established “Hana Kessho-Krystal,” which can be enjoyed in a wide variety of crystal forms.

( Source from the company’s website )

Among the pottery class experiences offered at the Toan , we focuses on programs for beginners.

Sozugama is a potter’s studio where craftsmen who have inherited the techniques of Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-yaki and Fukuoka’s Koishiwara-yaki.
The celadon of the Sozugama kiln expresses a deep blue color by kneading pigment into the fabric and applying a glaze.
Adding the Koishiwara-yaki technique of “tobikanna” to the clay, the glaze pools in the grooves of the scraped clay and regular patterns emerge.
In this way, we are exploring a new world of celadon that cannot be found anywhere else.In recent years, we have also focused on developingoverseas sales channels and have incorporated the experience gained overseas into new works of art,including Western-style tableware.
We are also developing a wide range of products, including accessories with a story behind them, which are original to the Sohgama brand.