Expressing the beauty of plants with uniquely developed paints.
Passing through a small street in a residential area, a magnificent gate comes into view. Proceeding past the impressive 陶葊"Toan" signboard, the workshop appears.
Here, they handle all processes of Kyo ware, from forming to painting.
The first floor visited was the place where formed pottery is fired. Electric kilns were neatly lined up, and kiln loading work was being carried out diligently.
Established in 1922, Toan currently employs approximately 20 artisans in forming and painting, producing works and products that are generally accessible.
The workshop is divided into floors for each process.
There are many unfinished works lined up, and the sheer quantity is overwhelming. There are items being dried, items before painting, and items about to enter the electric kiln. Notably, although it appears to be mass production by machine, everything is done by hand.
This blue piece expresses a flower-like crystal pattern not with painting, but with glaze. It is said to be Toan's unique glaze.
Entering the painting floor, techniques are based on tradition but adapted to modern styles.
Production balances efficiency with traditional methods, incorporating the best of both. Among the many processes, painting is crucial for adding value to the product.
One artist handles the entire painting process, from the initial sketch to the final overglaze, for each piece.
"Toan" excels in depicting plants, especially floral patterns, and the plants they paint appear vibrant and lively.
The secret lies in their uniquely developed original paints, which are notable for their vivid colors and beautiful gradations.
Gold is used to outline the contours on top of the colors. The gold accents that enhance the colors evoke a sensibility unique to the Japanese.
Mr. Tsuchibuchi, with whom we spoke, described the charm of Kiyomizu ware as follows: "Kiyomizu ware has no fixed forms or materials.
Its appeal lies in the fact that various styles are permitted, and one can take on new challenges."
A long-established business creed states, "Tradition is a series of innovations." This principle holds true in places where manufacturing has been continuously carried out.
*About Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware
"Kyo ware" refers to pottery made mainly in the Higashiyama foothills area from the early Edo period against the backdrop of the tea ceremony's popularity.
"Kiyomizu ware" refers to pottery made in Gojozaka, the approach to Kiyomizu Temple. It seems that there were subtle differences in production areas within Kyoto. Currently, they are not distinguished.
