Koito-yaki Pottery

Koito-yaki is a special style of pottery based in Takayama, Gifu that uses two types of clay and a special Ao-Irabo glaze to produce beautiful works of pottery. The technique begain in the 1620's when Shigeyori Kanamori, the lord of Takayama City, invited an artisan from Kyoto to teach his brother how to produce high-quality goods for Showa Style tea ceremonies. To make Koito-yaki, the clay must first be molded, dried, and fired before applying the Irabo glaze. The glaze typically consists of three colors: blue, brown and Uguisu (a light, olive-green color). These colors are mixed together for a desired color and gives the Koito-yaki a nice, vitrified layer that prevents food smells from staining the work. The feel of the glaze becomes smoother over time and use, and the colors become more crisp as time goes on. Koito-yaki products include tableware, dishes, vases, tea ceremony goods, and other traditional pottery. Anyone looking to buy Koito-yaki can purchase while in Takayama during our Autumn & Spring Takayama Festival Japan Tours. We also offer regular Takayama Japan Tour packages, or you can customize your vacation with our private tour option to include time in Takayama and Gifu. Koito-yaki is just one of thousands of beautiful, traditional Japanese-style crafts to discover while in Japan!