About Tamba Tachikui ware

Tanba Tachikui ware, also known as Tamba ware or Tachikui ware.

Tamba ware is one of the six ancient kilns (Tamba, Seto, Echizen, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Bizen) that represent Japan. It is a genuine pottery production area born and raised in Japan, inheriting the world-class traditional Japanese techniques that have been continued since the Jomon period. It is said to have originated from the end of the Heian period to the Kamakura period (around 1200 AD).

Generally speaking, works created through the Muromachi and Momoyama periods up until the end of the Edo period are called "Kotanba". From its origins to the Momoyama period, the pottery was called Onohara-yaki because Onohara-sho was the center of production. During this period, pottery was made by rolling up string clay and firing in a pit kiln.

In the early Edo period (around 1600), under the guidance of Kobori Enshu, many famous tea bowls, tea caddies, water jars and other items known as "Enshu Tamba" were produced. Artists who have inherited that tradition are still active in Tamba today. In the late Edo period, with the support and nurturing of the Sasayama domain, world-famous ceramic artists such as Naosaku, Kazufusa, Kayu, Kazukono and Ichisaku were produced.

In 1978 (Showa 53), Tamba Tachikui ware was designated as a national traditional craft. Currently, there are about 60 kilns in the Kamitachikui, Shimotachikui, and Kamaya areas of Imada Town, and many other kilns call themselves Tamba Tachikui ware.

For this reason, it is also widely known as an ornamental piece, and the true essence of Tamba Tachikui ware lies in the fact that the color and pattern change and acquire a new appeal the more one becomes familiar with the fired surface.

Our store mainly carries works by ceramic artists currently working in Tamba, and offers highly artistic masterpieces that respect tradition.