Hello everyone reading this blog.
My name is Yokoyama, the owner of Koto Potter.
This time we interviewed Takagi Ryuta, the sixth generation owner of Gankagama, a pottery manufacturer that has been in business since the early Meiji period.
While inheriting the traditional techniques of pottery making such as blue and white porcelain and iron painting, Takagi is also taking on new challenges based on the insights he gained during his training in Okinawa.
We listened to the story while tracing the history of Iwahanagama.
Interview with Ryuta Takagi of Gankagama Kiln
Yokoyama : Could you tell us about the traditional craft techniques that have been passed down since the founding of Gankagama? In particular, please tell us about any techniques or styles that you are particular about as a potter.
Takagi-san : Iwakagama mainly deals with porcelain, or so-called "Sekimon." We are particularly good at the techniques of *sometsuke (blue and white porcelain) and *uwae (overglaze painting) . These techniques have been passed down from the first generation, and we have always used these techniques. Even now, we still adhere to the hand-painted techniques, but we are incorporating modern sensibilities and making small changes.
*Dyeing: A technique that uses pigments such as cobalt on the base material, causing a blue color to appear after firing, giving the pottery depth and delicacy.
* Overglaze: A technique in which a colored glaze is applied to the fired base and then fired again. This produces a wide variety of colors and a gorgeous finish.
<The second generation Iwaka. He is the grandfather of Ryuta Takagi.>
Yokoyama : It's an incredible history that has continued through six generations. Could you tell us a bit about the history of Gankagama?
Takagi-san : The first generation, Iwajiro, started it, and he also made ceramic dolls, and as you can see, he also made earthenware. But from the second generation onwards, he focused on porcelain, and it's been going on ever since. My great-grandfather and grandmother, and my father took over as the fifth generation, and now I'm the sixth. There have been some changes in each era, but the tradition and the passion for "pottery" remain the same.
<The only surviving work by the first Iwahana, Iwajiro. A ceramic doll of Jurojin>
Yokoyama : You seem to have a strong commitment to porcelain. Are there any other distinctive techniques or things you are particular about?
Takagi-san : Yes, it's definitely a technique called iron painting . Iron painting bleeds and spreads a little when fired, so it's not suitable for detailed pictures, but it can create a modern atmosphere. It has a different feel from blue and white porcelain, so I quite like it as our color.
*Tetsue: A technique of painting with pigments made from iron, characterized by a deep brown color.
Yokoyama : When it comes to making pottery at Gankagama, are there any areas or pieces that you particularly focus on?
Takagi-san : We think of vases and tableware as the same thing. We think of a vessel as being complete when food or flowers are placed in it. That's why we make vessels that can be used in a variety of ways, without being limited to a specific purpose. We want to make vessels that blend into people's lives and feel right for the person who uses them.
Yokoyama : Could you tell us about your experience training in Okinawa? Why did you decide to train outside of Kyoto?
Takagi-san : I think the biggest reason was that I wanted to see the outside world. I went to "Yachimun no Sato" in Okinawa and was able to face pottery in a completely different environment. Over there, they make everything from the clay themselves and fire it in a climbing kiln. It was a completely different environment from Kyoto, and it broadened my horizons. I think this experience is still useful in my current pottery making.
*Yachimun Village: A pottery village in Okinawa. A place where unique pottery techniques are passed down and the traditional pottery "Yachimun" is produced.
<A mug made during his training in Okinawa. A valuable item fired in a climbing kiln>
Yokoyama : Do your experiences in Okinawa influence your current work?
Takagi-san : What I learned in Okinawa has influenced my current work. For example, the turquoise color is reminiscent of the ocean in Okinawa, and customers sometimes say to me, "It reminds me of the ocean in Okinawa." Of course, I also add some unique touches that are unique to Gankagama, but I hope that I can convey at least a little of that background.
*Turquoise: A technique that produces a vivid blue color by firing a glaze mixed with minerals. The color and expression method vary greatly depending on the creator.
Yokoyama : How do you want customers to enjoy your Gankagama pottery?
Takagi-san : I hope that people will use it however they like. You can use the small bowls as sauce dishes, and conversely, you can use the large dishes as individual plates. I would be happy if customers could enjoy it in any way they like. The ideal situation would be for the tableware to blend naturally into the daily life of the person who uses it.
Yokoyama : Finally, do you have any advice on what to look out for and how to choose when purchasing Gankagama products?
Takagi-san : Well, to be honest, I would say "Choose what you like". I'm often asked "What do you recommend?", but I make all of my products with confidence, so I think you'll be satisfied no matter what you choose. It would be best if you could live with your favorite tableware.
What did you think?
Iwahanagama produces exquisite blue and white porcelain that can truly be called Kiyomizu ware.
I look forward to seeing more of this young generation's accomplishments in the future.