Kyoto Ware and Kiyomizu Ware Collection

Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki are traditional ceramics that reflect the diverse techniques and aesthetic sense that were developed in Kyoto.

Pottery has been produced in Kyoto since the Nara and Heian periods, and developed with the spread of the tea ceremony during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. During the Edo period, master craftsmen appeared, and a variety of techniques were established, including overglaze enamel, blue and white porcelain, celadon porcelain, and powdered glaze.

Kyo-yaki generally refers to pottery made in Kyoto, while Kiyomizu-yaki is the name of the pottery that originated around the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and is currently produced in kilns in Hiyoshi, Gojozaka, Uji-sumiyama, and other areas.

It is characterized by the unique individuality of each kiln, its delicate sense of color and sophisticated design, and has become deeply connected to Kyoto culture such as the tea ceremony, incense ceremony and flower arranging.

Even in today's world where mass-produced goods are the norm, Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki continue to uphold the tradition of handcrafting and are highly regarded both at home and abroad as representative Japanese ceramics.