Kenji Matsuoka of Heianrakudo runs a pottery studio and gallery tucked away in a quiet residential area in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City.
All of the pottery is unique, made with reliable molding techniques and a wide variety of color expressions.
I was born into a family that runs a Kyoto-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery studio and grew up surrounded by traditional crafts, but I don't limit myself to tradition and I try to make pottery that fits perfectly into modern life.
Kenji Matsuoka was born and raised in the Hiyoshi district of Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.
The Hiyoshi district is a town of traditional crafts, with many Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki potteries. Matsuoka's family runs a Kiyomizu-yaki pottery studio that mainly produces tableware for traditional Japanese cuisine.
Having been exposed to pottery since he was a child, it was only natural that Matsuoka aspired to become a Kiyomizu ware potter.
After graduating from a training school for potters in 2004, he worked in the family business while also focusing on his own pottery making, and in 2020 he built his current pottery studio in Yamashina Ward.
The cozy pottery studio has a relaxed atmosphere and also houses a gallery where Matsuoka's pottery is on display.
During the weekdays, he works at his family's pottery studio, and on the other days, he makes original pottery in his own studio and sells it at pottery markets around the country. That is Matsuoka's lifestyle.
As Matsuoka interacted with various pottery and makers at pottery markets around the country, his tableware became more refined.
These include thin, light cups typical of Kiyomizu ware, and specially shaped dishes that go well with Japanese cuisine.
Combined with a uniquely blended colorful glaze, it gives the piece an atmosphere that is a little different from ordinary tableware.
The essence of traditional craftsmanship, suggestions for modern lifestyles, and ease of use - these are the appealing aspects of Heianrakudo's tableware.
Kenji Matsuoka runs his workshop by himself.
While he is making his pottery, he also exhibits at pottery fairs around the country, and he also has to juggle the family business, so he appears to be very busy, but with the strong support of his wife, he is able to live a fulfilling life.
I would like to keep an eye on the activities of Heianrakudo, a handmade pottery studio run by a husband and wife duo.
