About Koishiwara-yaki

Contemporary Folk Craft. The black metallic finish of our Koishiwara-yaki cup is achieved through a special glaze developed by our Koishiwara Artisan. He mixes iron powder to the rice straw ash that he uses as the glaze.

The distinct pattern on our cups is done with a technique called “Tobikanna”. The artisan uses a metal tool to apply chatter markings on the half dry surface of the cup, while it  is turning on the potter’s wheel. True to its name the “jumping iron” leaves the typical Koishiwara-Yaki markings behind.

Koishiwara-yaki ceramics were the first to be designated a traditional craft in Japan. It is named after the town of Koishiwara in Fukuoka, Kyushu and has its origin in 1682, when Lord Kuroda introduced pottery techniques from China to this area. Existing pottery techniques mixed up with the new influences and formed Koishiwara-yaki. Known worldwide for its earthenware, it established the term “Yōnobi” - finding beauty in the usage of daily things.

The Asemi Co. Koishiwara-yaki cups are made by the artisan Yusuke Kumagae in Koishiwara, Fukuoka / Kyushu.