Rakuware kiln, Raku Nyū Gama, rooted in the tea ceremony

Rakunyū Kiln: Rooted in the Tea Ceremony

Among Kyoto ware and Kiyomizu ware, Raku ware occupies a unique position.

Born from Sen no Rikyu's tea ceremony, its techniques have continued to this day, forming a distinct lineage within Kyoto ceramics.

Rakunyū Kiln, with its workshop in Kyoto, is part of this Raku ware tradition.

Although it belongs to a different lineage than the so-called "Raku family," it has been producing Raku chawan (tea bowls) for approximately 100 years.

Originally from a family that produced grinding whetstones, their great-grandfather began making Raku chawan, and in their grandfather's generation, it was fully established as a Raku ware kiln. Currently, the third generation, Rakunyū Yoshimura, continues this tradition.

 

Making Raku Chawan Centered on Practicality

Unlike general pottery, Raku chawan are absorbent and not very strong.

While this limits their uses, these characteristics are crucial in the tea ceremony.

Rakunyū Kiln, based on these inherent properties of Raku ware, emphasizes ease of use as tea utensils.

Their pottery making is characterized by a focus on the actual use scenario, considering aspects like shape, weight, and the feel when held.

However, their production is not merely a reproduction.

While adhering to traditional techniques, they are mindful of how to adapt them to modern times.

 

New Expressions Expanding on Tradition

Another characteristic of Rakunyū Kiln is its efforts to expand the range of expression.

Decoration through "namanuri" (raw painting), where designs are painted directly onto the unglazed clay, is a prime example.

The soft colors and three-dimensional effect created by colored clays are unique expressions that utilize the low-firing characteristic of Raku ware.

These works are developed as "Rakunyū-in" and, while possessing a different charm from traditional plain Raku chawan, are offered as vessels that can be easily incorporated into modern life.

Meanwhile, the works under the "Manpukudō" brand by the principal, Mr. Yoshimura himself, pursue the essence of more traditional Raku ware.

Furthermore, by dividing roles, including the "Rakunyū Kiln" brand, which is produced by the entire workshop, a balance between tradition and new expression is achieved.

Within the limited field of Raku ware, Rakunyū Kiln expands the possibilities of expression while maintaining a focus on practicality.

It can be said that Rakunyū Kiln represents a model for contemporary Raku ware.

 

Artist Profile｜Rakunyū Yoshimura

A Raku ware artist who presides over the Rakunyū Kiln in Yamashina, Kyoto.
As the third generation of the Rakunyū Kiln, which has a history of approximately 100 years, he creates Raku chawan with an emphasis on practicality as tea utensils.

 

Biography

September 1959 Born in Kyoto as the eldest son of the second-generation Rakunyū Yoshimura

March 1982 Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Economics

March 1983 Completed the Traditional Industry Successor Training Pottery Course at Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology and Culture

March 1984 Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Training School, Molding Department

Subsequently, began pottery creation under the tutelage of his father, the late Rakunyū

Around 1986 Participated in numerous group exhibitions and joined the pottery group "Ceramista"

1989 Founded "Rakunyū Kiln" (current head)

1993 Selected and exhibited at the Kiyomizu-yaki Paris Exhibition

2000 Received the "Jusei" seal from Abbot Ryusho Kumagai of Sennyu-ji Temple (used until his succession)

2001 Certified as a Traditional Craftsman

2004 Succeeded to the name as the third-generation Rakunyū Yoshimura
Simultaneously adopted the artist name "Manpukudō" and held a solo exhibition at Daimaru Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Subsequently, held solo exhibitions throughout Japan

Also served as an instructor at the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Ceramics and Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology and Culture