Kōbeigama, Traditional pottery kiln in Ichinokurachō, Japan
Kōbeigama is a traditional pottery studio with an anagama kiln, a sloped tunnel-style oven designed with a firing chamber and firebox. The kiln reaches high temperatures during wood-firing to produce ceramic pieces.
The studio was founded in 1804 and represents a long history of ceramic craft in the region. The current sixth-generation leader has been recognized as a Living National Treasure for mastery in ceramics.
The studio produces different Japanese ceramic styles including Shino, Oribe, and Sometsuke techniques that visitors can observe firsthand. These methods reflect local traditions passed down through generations of potters.
The studio is open on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM for visitors. It is helpful to plan your visit in advance since this is a specialized craft workshop that operates with regular hours.
The wood-firing process at this kiln lasts anywhere from 2 days up to about 2 weeks depending on the load size. This extended firing period creates natural ash glazes that develop different patterns based on how each piece is positioned inside the oven.
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