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.
