What is Kiyomizu-yaki?

Kiyomizu-yaki is a pottery style traditionally represented in Kyoto. During the Edo period, pottery was made in various parts of Kyoto and those baked around Kiyomizu-Dera were specifically called Kiyomizu-yaki. On the other hand, a general term for ceramics made in Kyoto from the Momoyama period to the early Edo period was called "Kyo-yaki." Therefore, the official name would be Kyo-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki.

The area surrounding Kyoto was never known to have resources such as clay and pottery stones to produce pottery. Therefore materials for pottery were brought in from all over Japan. And at the same time, excellent potters also gathered. The phenomena at the time turned advantageous and the current Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki were developed.

Painting Profession “Ezuke shi”

The process of pottery, starting with the potter's wheel, firing, and painting, is typically made by one craftsman. However, Kiyomizu-yaki was historically made by diversifying labor and placing skilled craftsmen in each process.

For example, the technique of "Kakizume", in which the same pattern is arranged in the same size and the same color depth and drawn repeatedly, is a required skill set for Kiyomizu-yaki painters. One of my pillars as a craftsman is to master and absorb this traditional technique into my mind and body.

On the other hand, from the urge to go beyond the traditional methods and challenge the limits of my skill, I am actively creating my own work, "Tougou <Niei>." My goal for this work is to improve the detailed print and elegance of color and bring out expressions that can't be produced in a commercial product while maintaining the subtleness of pottery made in Kyoto.