Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki are general terms for pottery made in Kyoto and are highly regarded as traditional Japanese crafts.
Its history dates back to the 16th century and has developed over the years while being closely linked to the tea ceremony culture.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the history and characteristics of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki.
(This article was written by Masatoshi Yokoyama, owner of KOTOPOTTER, who has over 10 years of experience in Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki.)
The origins of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki
The origins of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki can be found in the Azuchi-Momoyama period of the 16th century.
During this time, Kyoto was the political and cultural center of Japan, and the tea ceremony was very popular. In particular, there was a high demand for pottery used in the tea ceremony, and many potters flocked to Kyoto.
One of the most famous potters was Chōjirō , whose Raku ware was highly acclaimed as a tea ceremony utensil. The simple yet beautiful tea bowls of Raku ware remain iconic of Kyoto ware to this day.
17th century - The development of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki and the patronage of temples, shrines and aristocrats
Beginning in the 17th century, Kyoto potters began producing overglaze pottery and porcelain in addition to tea utensils.
During this period, Kyoto's temples, shrines, and aristocrats sponsored potters and supported the production of pottery for use in tea ceremonies and ceremonies.
This provided potters with economic security, allowing them to hone their skills and develop unique decorative techniques.
＜Nonomura Ninsei, colored painting of moon and plum blossoms on tea jar, Edo period, 17th century＞
Nonomura Ninsei , a potter who appeared in the second half of the 17th century, was a person who greatly developed Kyo ware.
Ninsei mastered overglaze pottery, and in particular created beautiful decorations on tea bowls and tea containers used as tea ceremony utensils.
His works were widely loved by aristocrats and tea masters, and helped establish Kyo ware as one of Japan's leading ceramics.
＜Ogata Kenzan, Rust-painted Grape Design Square Plate, Edo Period, 18th Century＞
Ogata Kenzan , who contributed as much to the development of Kiyomizu ware as Ninsei, incorporated the Rinpa designs established by his brother Ogata Korin into pottery and produced many unique works of art.
Kenzan's works were appreciated not only as tea utensils but also as decorative pottery, further enhancing the artistic value of Kyoto ware.
19th Century - Internationalization and Industrialization in the Meiji Period
＜Large vase with gold brocade flower and bird design by the ninth generation Obiyama Yohei, Meiji 25＞
At the end of the 19th century, during the Meiji period, Japan opened up to the world, and Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki ware grew as export industries.
In particular, the ornately decorated pottery known as Kyo-Satsuma was highly praised overseas and attracted international attention at world expositions and other events.
Furthermore, industrialization progressed during the Meiji period, and a mass production system was established for Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki.
While this has led to widespread use both at home and abroad, new issues have emerged regarding the preservation of traditional techniques and quality control. Potters have continued to search for ways to protect traditional techniques in the face of industrialization.
20th Century ~ Technological innovation from the mid-Showa period to the present
In the mid-Showa period, the production process of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki changed dramatically with the introduction of gas and electric kilns . Temperature control became easier, and the color development of glazes and firing stability improved, leading to an increase in pieces with complex and beautiful designs.
On the other hand, there are many potters who continue to use traditional wood-fired kiln firing techniques, further expanding the diversity of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki.
Today, Kyoto pottery artisans continue to preserve traditional techniques while incorporating new technologies and using gas and electric kilns, which has resulted in Kyoto pottery being rediscovered both at home and abroad.
The future of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki
Today, while Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki continue to preserve their techniques and beauty, they face the challenges of aging and a lack of successors . However, many potters are undergoing education and training to pass on traditional techniques to the next generation, and are working to fuse them with modern design.
Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki are valuable cultural heritages of Japan, but they are also constantly taking on new challenges. Their history and beauty will continue to be loved both at home and abroad.
References
・"Special Exhibition: Kyoto Pottery - Design and Craftsmanship of Kyoto" at Kyoto National Museum
・" Kenzan - A world of seclusion and elegance" MIHO MUSEUM
・Kyoto Prefecture Department of Commerce, Labor, and Tourism, Textile and Crafts Division, "Kyoto Ware and Kiyomizu Ware [Traditional Crafts of Kyoto Prefecture, etc.]" https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/senshoku/kiyomizuyaki.html
Image source
Integrated search system for the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage collectionshttps ://colbase.nich.go.jp/
