Hello everyone reading this blog.
My name is Yokoyama, the owner of Koto Potter.
The long heat has subsided a little, and it is gradually becoming more comfortable to live here.
From October 18th to 20th, I went to "Kiyomizu-yaki no Sato Festival 2024," one of the largest pottery fairs in Kyoto!
The 48th Kiyomizu-yaki Festival, Kyoto's largest pottery market
The Kiyomizu-yaki Festival is a major event for pottery fans. Here we introduce the details of the 48th festival and what to see.
There were many potteries and ceramic artists participating for the first time, and even those who attend every year were sure to enjoy themselves.
I'd like to introduce some pottery manufacturers that I found particularly interesting!
Gassan Kiln Nagata Studio
Nagata Studio has a pottery studio in Kyotanba Town, Funai District, on the Sea of Japan side of Kyoto Prefecture.
It had an old-fashioned atmosphere that would impress pottery lovers.
The painting was done by his wife, who is a Kyoto Yuzen artist, and the elegant designs are very charming.
Apparently they are also popular as flower pots among people overseas.
The exhibition featured a variety of highly specialized items, from incredibly detailed blue and white porcelain paintings to bean-shaped flower pots smaller than a sake cup.
Tanaka Pottery
Tanaka Ceramics is also sold by Koto Potter.
This time, the focus was on painted items, and there were many cute, fairy-tale-like painted items on display.
Among the exhibits, the items on display were particularly skilled, and the young potters shaping and painting them looked very impressive!
Koto Potter Tanaka Seito's works
Dainichi Kiln by Yotaro Takemura
This is Yotaro Takemura of Dainichi Kiln, who makes pottery in Kanshuji, Yamashina Ward.
There were many beautifully colored gradations of pottery on display, mainly featuring ash glazes made with a unique blend.
Recently, he has been focusing on Japan Crafts Exhibitions and solo exhibitions at department stores, and is one young potter whose future endeavors are very exciting to look forward to!
Click here for works by Koto Potter Dainichi Kiln
Kenji Nagano
Kenji Nagano has been a painting craftsman at the famous Kiyomizu ware kiln, Zuikougama, for 17 years.
Using the Itchin technique and painting, he depicted elegant flowers and plants that are typical of Kiyomizu ware.
He began developing his own works last year (2023), and has been creating easy-to-use pottery using the techniques and sensibilities he has cultivated over his long career as a craftsman.
Kaname Moriwaki
Born in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Kaname Moriwaki graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto and studied pottery at Kyoto University of Traditional Crafts. He currently makes pottery in Tamba Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture.
I really liked this banana mug!
The banana illustration stood out against the soft texture of the pottery and was very cute.
Ryosuke Matsuo
The cream-colored base with brown glaze gives it a soft texture, almost like pudding.
The shape of these dishes is modern, easy to use and stylish.
There were a variety of tableware lined up that would make you feel warm and cozy even if you used them on a daily basis.
Sky Woman Tamie Ono
Sorajo is a Kiyomizu ware artist who has earned an unshakable reputation.
It may be quite a rare sight to see miniature paintings worth tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen lined up under a tent.
Small jar pendant!
The painting is impressive, but the tiny little pots shaped on a potter's wheel make it easy to imagine the highly skilled technique of the potter.
Click here for Koto Potter Sorajo's work
What did you think?
Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki are made with a focus on handmade craftsmanship, and are appealing for their outstanding craftsmanship and high sense of style.
You can see many wonderful works all in one place and also have the opportunity to talk directly with the artists.
If you are interested in pottery or tableware, try visiting a pottery market such as the Kiyomizu-yaki no Sato Festival.
