Precision Without Margin for Error – Captivated by Crystalline Glaze
Located in the historic ceramic district of Sennyuji in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, Goun Maeda’s studio is surrounded by narrow alleys and traditional townhouses. It’s a place steeped in the history of Japanese pottery.
The studio, part of a long-standing family kiln, stretches deeper than it appears from the street. Inside, each space is carefully arranged to suit specific stages of the ceramic-making process.
Tools and machines of various shapes and sizes fill the workshop, each bearing the marks of decades of use. These traces speak to the physically demanding and complex nature of Maeda’s handmade pottery practice.
Mastering the Challenge of Zinc Crystal Glazing
Maeda’s specialty is a rare technique known as zinc crystalline glaze. During high-temperature firing, crystals form naturally within a special glaze, creating dazzling patterns that resemble clouds or blossoms.
To achieve this, the glaze composition, application thickness, and precise temperature control must all be meticulously managed. The slightest error can ruin the process—making this both a scientific and artistic challenge that only experienced craftsmen can master.
The Dazzling Result of Tireless Effort
The glaze is applied far more thickly than on typical pottery. As it melts and flows in the kiln, the crystals begin to form at exactly the right temperature.
The finished ceramic piece sparkles like a gemstone, but behind its elegance lies countless hours of labor, repeated trial and error, and quiet persistence.
Maeda continues to refine his expressive art, dedicating himself to Kyoto’s ceramic tradition while pushing the boundaries of what pottery can be.
Artist Profile: Goun Maeda
- Born in 1957 in the Sennyuji area of Higashiyama, Kyoto
- Graduated from Doshisha University with a degree in aesthetics and art in 1980; began pottery under his father, Masanori Maeda
- Focuses on flower vases, incense burners, and other art pieces, pursuing his own aesthetic vision
- First selected for a major exhibition in 1991 under the guidance of master Seichoku Kawai
- Recipient of multiple awards at national exhibitions including the Nitten and New Japan Crafts Exhibition
- Currently continues his practice at the Goun Kiln in Kyoto
KOTOPOTTER Owner
Masatoshi Yokoyama
With over 10 years of experience in Japanese traditional crafts—including Kyoto’s Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware—I carefully curate authentic handmade pottery.
Collaborating with local kilns and artists in Kyoto, I strive to discover new ways of sharing the beauty and spirit of Japanese ceramic art with the world.
In 2024, I founded KOTOPOTTER, an online shop dedicated to traditional handmade pottery from Japan.