A challenge to venture into a new world of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki!
- Regular price: ￥16,500 (tax included)
- Special price [20 pieces only] 20% OFF ￥13,200 (tax included)
- Weight 350g-400g
- Size: Edge diameter 90 Height 100 (mm)
- Capacity 240-270ml
- Regular price ￥8,800
- Special price [20 pieces only] 20% OFF ￥7,040 (tax included)
- Weight: 55-70g
- Size: Edge diameter 50 Height 48 (mm)
- Capacity 25-35ml
Sales
February 13, 2025 11:00 Makuake project release
April 13, 2025 22:00 Makuake project ends
Scheduled to be shipped sequentially from June 2025
Scheduled for general sale around August 2025
story
- The flower- or cloud-like crystal patterns of zinc oxide crystals are unique, allowing you to encounter a once-in-a-lifetime beauty.
- A new challenge for Goun Maeda, a potter with 50 years of experience. The long-awaited work he dreamed of completing even after undergoing surgery and rehabilitation is finally here
- We are passing on the 400-year-old history of Kiyomizu-yaki to future generations. We have inherited the traditions while incorporating modern values.
Zinc oxide crystals: a highly difficult technique known as the "Queen of Pottery"
In this project, we propose the future of traditional crafts through the "Sansai" glass, a unique expression that Kyoto-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki potter Maeda Goun has pursued for many years.
The Charm of Brilliance
"Beautiful glass" that will make everyone's heart flutter.
That's all I wanted.
Beautiful crystals produced by the miraculous technique of "zinc oxide crystallization"
Crystal patterns resembling flowers and clouds float on the surface of "Sansai."
This is the result of pottery techniques, which can only be achieved through precise temperature control and glaze mixing.
No two patterns are the same, and each one is characterized by a unique beauty created by the flames.
Achieving both solidity and practicality
The thick base, designed with crystal glass in mind, creates a sense of solidity that fits comfortably in the hand.
By baking at high temperatures, we have achieved a finish that is highly durable and scratch-resistant.
*Microwave and dishwasher safe.
The special feeling of being all handmade
They are carefully shaped using a potter's wheel and then carved out one by one with a plane.
The hand-finishing process gives it an edge and a sense of solidity that cannot be achieved through a mold.
Rocks glass
A blissful moment with rock ice floating in it.
Tilt the glass and you'll see a moment of art created by the brilliant crystals, ice, and whiskey.
Besides whiskey, it also goes great with Japanese alcoholic drinks such as shochu!
It is durable, so you can pour hot water into it to enjoy hot whiskey.
Shot Glasses
It's a special moment, as you enjoy rolling the glass in your hand.
Although it is small, it has a heavy feel to it and will become one of my favorite glasses in my collection.
In addition to whiskey and liqueurs, it is also great as a glass for drinking sake.
Enjoy the joy and bliss of owning a masterpiece of Kiyomizu ware!
Project Overview
Features of this project
Overcoming a serious illness and passing on tradition to the future
Maeda Goun once suffered from a serious back illness and was forced to retire from pottery making.
While I was bedridden, I even considered giving up pottery for a while.
However, Maeda Goun's passion for pottery, which he devoted his life to, sought even greater beauty in "sansai."
After surgery and two years of rehabilitation, he made a comeback.
In light of the current difficult situation facing Kiyomizu ware due to the COVID-19 pandemic, KOTOPOTTER and Goun aim to explore new possibilities for this traditional craft and spread it to the world.
This project is filled with a determination to revive Kiyomizu ware and hope for the future.
Be sure to get your hands on a pair of Sansai glasses, which combine tradition and innovation.
Perfect as a reward for yourself or as a gift
All items will be delivered in a KOTOPOTTER original gift box and wrapped.
A perfect special gift for someone you care about or who cares for you.
Highly recommended as a memorable gift.
Return item introduction
You can choose from the colors "Yueyue (white)" and "Moe (light green)".
You can freely combine the colors of the pairs and sets.
Rocks glass
・Normal retail price: ￥16,500 (tax included)
Weight: 350g-400g
・Size: Edge diameter 90, height 100 (mm)
Capacity: 240-270ml
*Please note that as these are handmade items, there may be individual differences.
Shot Glasses
・Normal retail price: ￥8,800
Weight: 55-70g
Size: Edge diameter 50, height 48 (mm)
・Volume 25-35ml
*Please note that as these are handmade items, there may be individual differences.
The production process of Sansai
"Sansai" rock glasses and shot glasses are all carefully crafted by hand. We will introduce the production process that is born from the skilled techniques and passion of ceramic artist Goun Maeda.
Potter's wheel <br>Using highly skilled craftsmen, each piece is shaped by hand on a potter's wheel. This is an important process that determines the final product.
Drying <br>The molded piece is left to dry naturally until it is ready for the next carving process.
If it is not dry, it cannot be carved, and if it is too dry, it will crack.
It takes years of experience to judge the progress of drying.
Shaving <br>The wood is carefully sharpened using a plane to smooth out the edges and give it a more solid feel.
The thickness is adjusted using only the sense of touch in your fingers.
Glazing <br>A specially formulated glaze is carefully applied. The thickness and evenness of the glaze determines the pattern of the zinc oxide crystals, so this requires careful attention.
Firing <br>The kiln temperature is carefully controlled and the piece is fired at high temperatures. During this process the glaze melts and the crystalline pattern appears.
Even with years of experience and intuition, things often don't go as planned, which shows how difficult it is to grow zinc oxide crystals.
From Koto Potter to everyone
Thank you for reading this far.
My name is Yokoyama, the owner of Koto Potter.
Through this project, Maeda-san and I at Goun Touen hope to be able to convey the appeal of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki to as many people as possible.
Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki have their origins in the Edo period and boast a history of 400 years.
However, like other traditional crafts, it faces challenges such as a lack of successors and an aging potter population.
Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki do not have characteristics specific to their place of production, and have a history of evolution as potters and kilns each pursue their own unique way of expression.
Therefore, unless you attempt an exceptionally difficult technique, like Maeda's zinc oxide crystals, you will end up being lost among other ceramic artists with excellent techniques.
The rocks glass and shot glass we made this time had high goals, but we ended up with repeated failures right from the prototype stage, and I had many discussions with Mr. Maeda about giving up.
(A large hole appeared during the carving stage of the prototype, and the thickness was not sufficient when it was molded, so we had to remake the entire thing.)
However, I continued working on it, believing that unless I overcame this challenge, I would never be able to create the kind of wonderful works that the great craftsmen of Kyoto ware and Kiyomizu ware have left for future generations.
The success of this project gives us confidence that our ideas of "goodness" have been recognized, and it encourages us to take on further challenges.
I would appreciate it if you could give me lots of support and encouragement.
About this project
A collaboration between Maeda Goun, a potter with 50 years of experience, and the new Kiyomizu ware brand KOTOPOTTER
Maeda Kiyonori is the third generation potter of Goun Touen, a Kyoto-based Kiyomizu ware manufacturer, and has 50 years of experience as a potter.
KOTOPOTTER is a new Shimizuyaki brand that was launched in the summer of 2024.
By inheriting tradition while incorporating modern values, we hope to bring new appeal to Kiyomizu ware.
Introduction of the project participants
〇KOTOPOTTER Owner Masatoshi Yokoyama
For over 10 years, we have been involved with traditional crafts and ceramics, including Kyoto ware and Kiyomizu ware.
We are exploring new forms of traditional crafts by collaborating with Kyoto potters and ceramic artists to deepen our knowledge and aesthetic sense.
In 2024, we launched KOTOPOTTER, an e-commerce site specializing in Kyoto ware and Kiyomizu ware.
○ Gountoen Maeda Kiyonori
Born in 1957 at Sennyuji Temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto.
After graduating from the Department of Aesthetics and Art at Doshisha University in 1980, he began his career as a potter under his father, Masanori.
He began to actively create ceramic items such as vases and incense burners, and began to pursue his own unique style of beauty.
In 1991, under the guidance of Professor Kawai Seitoku, he exhibited his work at an exhibition and was selected for the first time.
He currently creates ceramic works at Goumogama Kiln, which he inherited from his predecessor.
For customers residing outside Japan
This page provides information on sales within Japan.
The listed products are planned to be available for international sales by the September 2025.
Please stay tuned. Thank you!