Pottery KONISHI TOUKO

KONISHI TOUKO BIZEN POTTERY

Konishi Touko is a Bizen ware 'kamamoto', a kind of ceramic factory which has many craftsmen with various duties. We have been making Bizen ware by the traditional way of firing, using red pine wood with special emphasis on the importance of quality more than amount. Bizen ware has more colors without glaze, compared to other unglazed pottery. Bizen ware is made by an encounter of clay with fire. The clay is very important, so we select it very carefully, as we are concerned with the quality of the product. After many trials in 1926, the masters Mimura Toukei and Konishi Touko, the first artists, together discovered the technique for making San-giri color type using charcoal in a climbing kiln. This process helped in the development of present day Bizen ware. So we particularly have confidence in the vivid type of Bizen ware called San-giri made in our climbing kiln (noborigama). Konishi Touko products are also known for fine figurines. We specialize in beautiful figurines, which require sensitive work and high skills. Now our products are made by craftsmen working under the supervision of the owner, Tozo Konishi, the grandchild of Touko the First. He also makes his own works as an ceramic artist and is an Intangible Cultural Property, designated by Bizen city.

Gallery TOZO

Tozo Konishi

Gallery Tozo displays and sells artworks by Tozo Konishi. Tozo Konishi is the third generation of Kamamoto KONISHI TOUKO. However, he chose to become a ceramic artist rather than a craftsman. He is an Intangible Cultural Property, designated by Bizen city and has received many awards. Following his motto, "Tradition is created by the continued adding of the present onto the past", he creates contemporary-living Bizen ware. His works have a wide range of styles, from delicately beautiful to strong and sharp.

They seem novel in some aspects, but are convenient for daily use, for both Japanese cuisine/interiors, and Western cuisine/interiors. We hope you enjoy these profound artworks, definitely different from those that are mass-produced.

Access

窯元 小西陶古
Office / Store
Factory KONISHI TOUKO
Address
640 INBE, BIZEN-CITY, OKAYAMA, 705-0001, JAPAN
Tel
080-7375-9158
Fax
0869-64-1578
E-Mail
info@toukogama.com
Regular Holiday
1st January
Opening Hours
9:00〜17:00