Tosen Kiln
Tosen Kiln introduces the traditional techniques of Kiyomizu ware through their delicate hand painting and modeling styles.
The intricate paintings breathe warmth and beauty into their pieces and tell stories of the diligence needed to create them.
About Tosen Kiln
Tosen Kiln was founded in 1868 as a Kiyomizu ware wholesaler. In June 1944, a production studio was established in Mukomachi, a suburb of Kyoto City, kick-starting the creation and production of Kiyomizu ware–traditional crafts made in the Kyoto area.
The kiln is consistently striving to improve their techniques and sensitivities. It takes special care in implementing traditional Kyoto craftsmanship and believes that the essence of Kiyomizu ware can be found in the techniques of artist and master potter, Nonomura Ninsei. The kiln preserves Ninsei's steady lathing techniques and lustrous painting styles while adapting them to modern times to express clean lines and warm tones.
Sakura Series
Springtime in Kyoto is adorned by a delicate tapestry of sakura petals and leaves. Among these blossoms, the weeping cherry trees, or Gion-zakura, hold a special place as emblematic of the city's unique atmosphere. Green and pink hues pop against the yellowish cream-white base, evoking images of leaves and blossoms gently swaying and drooping down gracefully. Immerse yourself in these intricate paintings that capture the essence of Kyoto's sakura.
View Sakura SeriesKozan-ji Temple (Choju Giga) Series
These colorful pieces feature a famous illustrated scroll named "Choju Jinbutsu Giga" which is a caricature picture scroll depicting anthropomorphic animals and their playfulness, dating from the mid-12th to mid-13th centuries. These designs from the picture scrolls are designated as a Japanese national treasure in Kozan-ji Temple in Kyoto. Please enjoy these humorous and playful works intricately depicted through Tosen Kiln's painting techniques.
View Kozan-ji Temple (Choju Giga) SeriesKyoto Vegetables Series
These colorful pieces feature a famous illustrated scroll named "Choju Jinbutsu Giga" which is a caricature picture scroll depicting anthropomorphic animals and their playfulness, dating from the mid-12th to mid-13th centuries. These designs from the picture scrolls are designated as a Japanese national treasure in Kozan-ji Temple in Kyoto. Please enjoy these humorous and playful works intricately depicted through Tosen Kiln's painting techniques.
View Kyoto Vegetables SeriesWind God and Thunder God Series
Powerful depictions of the "Wind God and Thunder God," a masterpiece by Tawaraya Sotatsu–a painter of the Edo period (c.1603-1867), is available to enjoy through tableware. Since ancient times, people in Japan have believed that the wind blows and thunder rumbles because of the presence of these two gods in the sky between heaven and earth. It is believed that the wind and thunder gods are beneficial for victory and business prosperity. Enjoy these hand painted works representative of Tosen Kiln's technique.
Camellia Series
The Camellia series serves as a tribute to the refined underglaze painting techniques that symbolize the kiln's commitment to traditional aesthetics and craftsmanship. Masterfully brought to life by artists skilled in Japanese style painting, each piece in the series showcases the artisan Taniguchi's evolved Camellia design, featuring a harmonious blend of dark and light greens, and the unique raised and glossy finish of red and white petals. The Camellia series encapsulates a balance of simplicity and elegance, reflective of Kyoto's esteemed ceramic legacy.
View Camellia SeriesTokusa Series
The Tokusa series presents a fresh take on the traditional blue Horsetail design through Taniguchi's artistic adaptation. Infusing warmth and depth, Taniguchi has elegantly reimagined this pattern in two colors, enhancing the hand-drawn lines that stand in stark contrast to mass-produced printing. These meticulously penciled lines, gracefully complement the kiln's signature creamy-white bisque. Adding to its distinctiveness, intentional dents artfully punctuate the bisque's surface, breaking away from conventional round forms.
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