TAKATORIYAKI
420 years of skills passed down through generationsOrigins of Takatori-yaki
A kiln lineage of 420 years originated byHachizan, continuing to produce authentic pottery using traditional techniques involving river-powered clay pounding and climbing kilns.
The techniques have been passed down from generation to generation in the “Secret Scroll”.
Passed down from parent to child
The techniques of Takatori-yaki, honed over centuries, have been transmitted exclusively within our direct lineage family through a single-lineage transmission system.
Secret scroll written in code
The techniques of Takatori-yaki are recorded in a “secret scroll” written in code.
Only one heir is taught how to interpret the secret manual, while other family members are unable to decipher the code.
Tribute to the feudal lord and division of fiefdom
Due to the meticulous practice of creating offerings, where all but the piece offered in tribute is discarded, Takatori-yaki has never been accessible to the general public.
Commitment to river water and clay pounding
The kiln, directly descended from Hachizan 420 years ago, continues to produce authentic pottery using traditional techniques involving river-powered pounding pestles and climbing kilns.
Key Elements of Masterpieces
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Clay Formation
Takatoriyaki Introduction
Clay Formation
Over the course of one month, raw clay materials are crushed and pounded by a wooden pestle powered by river water. Then, the sediment is dissolved in water and strained through a sieve over two to three months to create clay.
Shaping and Drying
Each piece is shaped by hand on the wheel. The artisan’s rich talent and relentless effort reveals his spirit and ideas.
Bisque Firing and Glaze Application
Bisque firing is done at about 900 degrees Celsius. The naturally sourced ingredients used by the Takatori-yaki Founding Family are straw ash, wood ash, rust, and feldspar. The mixing method is recorded in the “Secret Scroll” and has been passed down through generations.
Kiln Stacking and Firing
The Takatori-yaki Founding Family uses wood-fired kilns. The interior of the kiln is spacious, and while the areas near the fire and the top are strong in fire power, the bottom and the back are relatively weak. The placement of pieces in the kiln must be carefully considered to manage the flow of fire. When firing the kiln, offerings such as sacred sake are made, and success is prayed for with a pure heart. The kiln firing is adjusted by experienced craftsmen who continually add wood to control the temperature at about 1250-1260°C.
Cooling and Unloading the Kiln
The fire in the kiln is stopped and the kiln is cooled for at least three days until the interior temperature drops below 100 degrees Celsius. Thin pieces like those from Takatori may crack due to rapid temperature changes (known as “wind cracking”), so they are slowly and carefully removed one by one to prevent this.