Simple Beauty and Warmth for Everyday Living
Potter Hiroshi Chōgen’s studio is nestled in the peaceful countryside of Hiyoshi Town, Nantan City, Kyoto, Japan. Born in 1959, he graduated from a specialist pottery school and refined his traditional ceramic techniques at the renowned Wazen Touen in the Omuro-yaki tradition before establishing his own workshop. Driven by an unwavering passion for handmade pottery and a spirit of continuous exploration, his journey marries ancient craftsmanship with a modern sensibility.
The Memory of the Hand in a Quiet Studio
Stepping into the workshop, the first thing you hear is the wheel turning softly. Wet clay responds to Chōgen’s fingertips, gradually taking shape. The advanced throwing skills he honed at Wazen Touen—skills once essential for crafting delicate tableware for traditional Japanese kaiseki restaurants—now serve to preserve this treasured tradition in every piece he creates.
Working with Materials to Reveal Their True Character
Chōgen assesses each clay body by touch, breathing life into every ceramic vessel with meticulous, handmade care. His focused gaze and decades of experience bring out the natural charm of the material. Though simple in form, his pieces carry a special warmth that resonates with lovers of authentic, traditional pottery.
Natural Colors Born from Custom Glazes
The rich hues and subtle gradients in Chōgen’s work stem from his original glaze formulas. By blending glazes and experimenting with firing techniques, he creates surfaces that evolve unpredictably in the kiln. Timing and intuition—cultivated through years of practice—capture moments when each glaze reveals its most beautiful expression, as if painted by nature itself.
Balancing Usability and Aesthetic
Chōgen’s pottery is celebrated for its intuitive feel—pick one up, and it simply fits your hand. With refined forms and colors that blend seamlessly into daily life, each piece enriches your table with effortless style. Born in the quiet of his Kyoto studio, these ceramic vessels embody his desire to bring serene beauty to everyday moments.
Continuing to Share Warmth, Quietly
Hiroshi Chōgen remains dedicated to the warmth of handmade work, creating vessels that gently accompany your daily rituals. Each piece adds a peaceful touch to life’s simple pleasures.
KOTOPOTTER Owner
Masatoshi Yokoyama
With over a decade of experience in Kyoto’s traditional pottery, I collaborate with local artisans to explore new expressions of authentic Japan-made ceramic art.
In 2024, I launched KOTOPOTTER, an online shop dedicated to handmade, traditional Japanese pottery.