A visit to the Koyo kiln

One highlight of my recent visit to Japan was a day trip to Tokoname where a group of us visited several well-known kilns. Our first stop – the Koyo kiln.

Koyo – the kiln established in 1970 by Kouichirou Aiba, is best known for its glazed pots. Today the kiln is run by Aiba’s son, Kuniaki (see a more complete version of the story at Japanese Bonsai Pots Blog).

Walking into Aiba’s shop, we found the usual assortment of glazed Koyo pots. Mixed in with these were smaller accent containers.

Koyo pots

After a bit of shopping, were were invited to tea. As we sat down, we appreciated the many small containers lining the walls.

Small pots

Shohin pots

Very small pots

That’s when the fun began. In the next room over, we found a gallery with some very interesting pots – pots that were quite unlike those for which the kiln was so well-known. What made these containers fun were details ranging from novel shapes and glazes to tiny squid found on the inside of a shallow pot.

Squid pot

Blue glazed oval with large lip

Brown glazed

Blue glazed rectangle

Green glazed rectangle

Blue and yellow glazed pots – family portrait in background

Metallic gold pot

Red glazed rectangle

Blue glazed round pot

One unglazed square pot caught my attention as it was made in a traditional style, but not one that I’d expect to come from the Koyo kiln.

Unglazed square

Before heading out, we took a detour into the warehouse and kiln room.

Koyo warehouse

The Koyo kiln