Tamba-Tachikui is one of the「Nihon Rokko-yō / Six Ancient Kilns」of Japan. Its origins date back to the late Heian period, a history stretching back over 850 years. Nestled among mountains rich in red clay and located near Kyoto and Osaka, Tamba-Tachikui developed strong trade links with these urban centers. The pottery-making techniques of Tamba have been passed down through generations, preserving the craft within its community.
Traditional Tamba-Tachikui ware is characterized by the natural glaze created by firing in a wood-fired kiln. The wood burns in the kiln and turns to ash, dancing in the hot air and adhering to the pottery, resulting in unexpected unique patterns and textures. Since the Edo period, the introduction of climbing kilns has allowed for increased production, and research into glazes has produced a wide variety of colors and effects. Today, the village is home to approximately 60 kilns, where craftspeople continue to explore new techniques for creating Tamba ware. The pottery lined up under the eaves of the workshops awaiting firing is a part of the village’s daily landscape.
The craftspeople of Tamba ware have continually innovated and adapted along with the times, creating ceramics that seamlessly accompany us in our day-to-day lives. Discover an experience that will shift your outlook on life, touching the aesthetic values of the people who live and work among the approximately 60 kilns nestled in the village.
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Set in the backdrop of the Satoyama landscape, this tour will take you to the Tamba potteries, where you can feel this ancient way of life. Here, you can see a diverse range of ceramics, from old Tamba masterpieces to more modern pieces by contemporary potters. The experience includes visiting a traditional climbing kiln, pottery-making demonstrations, participating in a pottery workshop, and enjoying meals served on Tamba ware, fully immersing yourself in the beauty of Tamaba traditions.
Ms. Ichino is the eighth-generation successor of this traditional pottery, which has existed since the Edo period. The family knew both Muneyoshi Yanagi, regarded as the founder of the Japanese “mingei (folk craft)” movement, and British potter Bernard Leach, who brought Western and Japanese ceramics together. While continuing the lineage of Tamba ware, Ms. Ichino incorporates the slipware technique learned by her predecessors from Leach, showcasing beautiful patterns such as comb marks and lattices. Here, visitors can also see a traditional climbing kiln.
Mr. Shimizu’s father, Toshihiko, studied under Kazutaka Ikuta, who was an apprentice of leading Japanese potter Kanjiro Kawai. Having closely observed the rustic charm of his father’s folk art-inspired ceramics, Mr. Takeshi insists on using Tamba clay and a wood-fired kiln, creating an unpredictable surface finish. The couple’s work reflects their personalities and possesses an elegant finish. They have a tea room with an “irori (sunken hearth)” near their workshop, where harmonious conversations with others continually nurture their aesthetic sense for new creations.
The young third-generation owner-maker of Shōyo-gama, Mr. Ōgami, runs a ceramic studio and gallery in harmony with the Tachikui landscape alongside his wife. They collaborate with his parents, second-generation potters Yutaka Ōgami and his wife, Tomoko, creating unique reinterpretations of Tamba ware. Hiroki’s distinctive delicate brushwork contrasts with his fun-loving personality. They also offer a “tōhaku (studio stay)” lodging experience, where you can enjoy the traditions of a Tamba potter’s life and have a go at making.
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1day plan
