Where Tradition Meets Innovation – The Beautiful World of Japanese Ceramics
Nestled in the quiet mountain village of Sumiyama in Uji, Kyoto, Kiko Kiln has been producing traditional Japanese pottery for generations. Here, the fourth-generation ceramic artist Takayoshi Imahashi continues the legacy with dedication and creativity.
Born in 1964, Imahashi studied ceramics at Kyoto City University of Arts and has spent over 40 years mastering his craft, blending the elegance of traditional Kyo-ware with modern sensibilities.
Delicate Craftsmanship Born in a Serene Studio
Inside the quiet studio, the potter’s wheel turns gently as Imahashi shapes clay with a steady rhythm. His style reflects a harmonious blend of traditional techniques and modern aesthetics.
Each piece—whether a refined dish for Japanese cuisine or a vividly painted bowl—is meticulously handcrafted. With their graceful forms and rich glazes, these handmade pottery pieces invite everyday use while exuding timeless beauty.
From Clay to Kiln—A Personal Touch in Every Step
Imahashi is involved in every stage of the ceramic process—from selecting the clay to forming, decorating, glazing, and firing. The sounds of the wheel, the scent of the glaze, and the heat of the kiln all converge to give life to each vessel.
He continues to evolve his work by combining Kyoto's rich ceramic heritage with designs suited for contemporary living—balancing beauty and function with every creation. Holding one of his pieces, you can almost feel the quiet devotion and scene of making behind it.
Artist Profile: Takayoshi Imahashi (Fourth Generation)
- Born in Kyoto, 1964
- Graduated from Kyoto City University of Arts, Department of Ceramics, in 1987
- Established an independent studio in Sumiyama, Uji
- In 1988, began producing utensils for the Ogawa school of Sencha under the guidance of Grand Master Koraku Ogawa VI
- Held solo exhibitions at Kyoto Takashimaya (2002), Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (2007), Nihonbashi Takashimaya (2009)
- From 2013, held annual “Maestro Kiko” exhibitions in Nagoya and Kyoto
- In 2019, exhibited at the Hakusasonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Memorial Museum
- Received Buyer’s Prize at the 2023 National Traditional Crafts Competition
The History of Kiko Kiln
First Generation: Heiji Imahashi
- 1911: Trained under Master Hozan Unrin-in in Awataguchi, Kyoto
- 1921: Established his own kiln in Kiyomizuzaka and adopted the name “Kiko”
- 1932: Moved the kiln to Sennyuji, Kyoto
- 1943: Certified as a Preserver of Traditional Techniques
Second Generation: Nobuo Imahashi
- Trained under his father after WWII
- Studied painting under Hyakkei Yada
- Took over the kiln in 1953 and specialized in tea ceremony utensils
Third Generation: Yoshikazu Imahashi
- Started pottery in 1946
- Took over the family kiln in 1958, embracing modern forms of expression
- 1976: Moved the kiln to Sumiyama in Uji and contributed to the development of a pottery village
- 1977: Recognized as a Traditional Craftsman by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry
- 1980: Awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize at the National Traditional Crafts Exhibition
- 1982: Received the Kyoto Governor’s Award
- 1994: Named a Master Craftsman of Kyoto
- 1996: Honored for industrial merit by Kyoto Prefecture
- 1998: Named “Contemporary Master Craftsman” by the Minister of Labor
- 2000: Awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 6th Class
KOTOPOTTER Owner
Masatoshi Yokoyama
With over 10 years of experience in traditional Japanese crafts, including Kyoto’s Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware, I curate handmade pottery that blends tradition with originality.
Working closely with potters and kilns in Kyoto, I continue to deepen my insight and refine the way we present Japanese ceramics to the world.
In 2024, I launched KOTOPOTTER, an online store dedicated to Japan’s traditional handmade pottery.