1. Meaning and Historical Background of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki
Kyo-yaki
Kyo-yaki refers to a wide range of ceramics produced throughout Kyoto.
Kyo-yaki traces its origins back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period (16th century). During this time, Kyoto was a political and cultural hub, and the tea ceremony flourished. One of the most renowned potters of the era was Chojiro, whose "Raku ware" became highly valued as tea utensils. Even today, Raku ware, known for its simplicity and beauty, symbolizes Kyo-yaki.
In the early Edo period, various types of ceramics were produced throughout Kyoto, with kilns such as Omuro-yaki and Awataguchi-yaki flourishing.
The defining feature of Kyo-yaki is its lack of adherence to any single technique, allowing artisans to express their individuality and create diverse designs.
Notable ceramic artists like Nonomura Ninsei and Ogata Kenzan created pottery that is now recognized as highly valuable works of art.
- Chojiro Black Raku Tea Bowl, Azuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century
- National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Collection Search System
- https://colbase.nich.go.jp/collection_items/tnm/G-74?locale=ja
- Nonomura Ninsei Colorful Jar with Plum Blossoms, Edo period, 17th century
- National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Collection Search System
- https://colbase.nich.go.jp/collection_items/tnm/G-40?locale=ja
Kiyomizu-yaki
Kiyomizu-yaki refers to ceramics produced around the Kiyomizu Temple area, particularly near Gojozaka in Higashiyama, Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-yaki developed as tableware and tea utensils catering to the pilgrims visiting the famous Kiyomizu Temple.
A large number of dining ware and tea ceremony items have been crafted to meet demand, especially tea utensils.
The early works of Kiyomizu-yaki, known as "Ko-Kiyomizu," are characterized by simple colors and crazed glazes (crackle effect). Later, the production of porcelain began, leading to more colorful and ornate designs.
Notable figures such as Kanjiro Kawai and Yuzo Kondo, as well as the famous Kiyomizu Rokubei family, are among the most representative potters from the Gojozaka area.
- Ko-Kiyomizu Colorful Stem Dish with Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Motif
- National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Collection Search System
- https://colbase.nich.go.jp/collection_items/kyohaku/G%E7%94%B2439?locale=ja
2. The Development of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki in Modern Times
During the Showa period, rapid urbanization around Gojozaka and the area’s development as a tourist destination created challenges for local kilns, including pollution from traditional climbing kilns and limited space for production.
In the 1960s, many of the kilns relocated to "Kiyomizu-yaki Danchi" (Kiyomizu-yaki Industrial Park) in Yamashina, across Mount Otowa from the original Gojozaka area. This move allowed for more efficient production and better fire safety measures.
Kiyomizu-yaki’s rise in prominence as a representative of Kyoto pottery can be attributed to its increased production and the development of the tourist area.
While today the term "Kiyomizu-yaki" is often used to refer to all Kyo-yaki, this can be traced back to this period when Kiyomizu-yaki became the dominant style.
That said, pottery made throughout Kyoto, including traditional Kyo-yaki, is still being produced, leading to the modern use of "Kyo-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki" as an all-encompassing term for Kyoto ceramics.
3. Conclusion
While Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki have different regional and historical backgrounds, both have evolved to become representative ceramics of Kyoto.
Kyo-yaki refers to ceramics made throughout Kyoto, while Kiyomizu-yaki is rooted in the Gojozaka and Kiyomizu Temple areas.
Through the various transformations of time, "Kyo-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki" now represents the entirety of Kyoto’s rich ceramic culture.
Image Source: https://photo53.com/