Camellia Japanese Teacup

Featuring the distinctive nami-yu glaze, derived from the ashes of the Kyoto forest, this teacup embodies a natural clay color of creamy-white, enhanced by the gracefully painted camellia design, an emblem of Taniguchi's passion and dedication to the craft.

Every brushstroke on this teacup displays the expertise of individual Japanese-style painters, each seeking to surpass mere decoration, infusing the piece with originality and depth. The petals boast a singular embossed and lustrous finish, offering a striking counterpoint to the leaves' subtle, watercolor shades—a flourish indicative of the painters' profound proficiency in Japanese artistic traditions. 

This direct painting on bisqued clay demands a mastery that few possess. As the paint is rapidly absorbed, it results in a lucid, transparent finish showcasing the intricacies of underglaze painting. Its muted shades of blue and brown create a subdued ambiance, unlike the bolder pigments of overglaze painting.

Tosen Kiln

Tosen Kiln was founded in 1868 as a Kiyomizu ware wholesaler. In 1944, it established a production studio in Mukomachi, a suburb of Kyoto, marking the beginning of full-scale Kiyomizu ware production. Today, the kiln operates in Gojo, Kyoto, continuing its legacy of craftsmanship.

Dedicated to refining its techniques and artistic sensibilities, Tosen Kiln embraces Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship while adapting it for the modern era. Drawing inspiration from Edo-period master potter Nonomura Ninsei, it preserves his precise lathing techniques and luminous painting styles, blending them with clean lines and warm tones to create pieces that resonate with contemporary aesthetics.

Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware, collectively known as Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki, are celebrated pottery styles from Kyoto. Known for their vibrant designs, finely sculpted forms, and dedication to handcrafted detail, these wares reflect Kyoto’s distinctive sense of beauty and artistic refinement.

Defined by a long-cultivated diversity, Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware have drawn on techniques and styles from pottery traditions across Japan, evolving into a richly expressive and distinctly Kyoto art form. Recognized as a Traditional Craft of Japan in 1977, they continue to be cherished for their cultural depth and everyday appeal.