Art & Craft > Ceramic > Kyo Kiyomizu yaki
Cup & Mug
Tea bowl
Tea pot
Sake cup & bottle
Chopstick rest
Plate & Bowl
Doll & Ornaments
Kiyomizu-yaki is a prestigious ceramic tradition born in the historic Kiyomizu Slope area of Kyoto, embodying the elegance of Kyoto’s cultural and artistic heritage. For over four centuries, it has been renowned for its delicate porcelain, sophisticated color glazes, and refined aesthetics that harmonize with both tea ceremony and modern lifestyle.
At Kisashijapan, we source Kiyomizu ware directly from Kyoto artisans who continue to pass down traditional techniques while introducing contemporary design. Each piece captures the spirit of Kyoto craftsmanship and is selected to enrich your everyday living space.
History of Kiyomizu-yaki
Kiyomizu-yaki began in the early Edo period in the Kiyomizu Slope neighborhood near Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto.
Skilled potters settled in this area and began producing ceramics that combined practical use with refined artistic expression.
Over time, Kiyomizu-yaki gained fame for its colorful glazes, elegant shapes, and decorative motifs inspired by Kyoto’s culture.
During the Meiji period and beyond, Kiyomizu ware evolved to meet changing tastes and exported widely.
Today, it remains a symbol of Kyoto ceramics, uniting tradition and modern design.
Characteristics & Techniques
• Elegant Forms & Refined Shapes
Lightweight porcelain and meticulous craftsmanship create graceful vessels that feel comfortable in the hand.
• Sophisticated Glazes
Includes kutani-influenced overglaze enamel, iroé (colored-glaze painting), and soft pastel glazes reflecting Kyoto aesthetics.
• Decorative Motifs
Patterns often draw from nature—cherry blossoms, maple leaves, and classical Japanese poetry—with a delicate, artistic touch.
• Contemporary Adaptation
While rooted in tradition, many Kiyomizu pieces adapt to modern table settings and interior design, blending heritage and functionality.
When choosing Kiyomizu-yaki, look for the harmony between shape, glaze, and hand-painted design. Many pieces feature elegant, slender forms and fine brushwork that reflect the aesthetics of Kyoto, making them ideal for tea, sweets, and carefully arranged dishes.
For daily use, simple bowls, yunomi cups, and plates with soft glazes and modest patterns pair well with both Japanese and Western food. For special occasions or display, pieces with detailed painting, gold accents, or seasonal motifs highlight the graceful side of Kiyomizu-yaki.
Kiyomizu-yaki is appreciated for its balance of practicality and beauty. Light in the hand yet expressive in design, it brings a gentle, Kyoto-style elegance to everyday moments at the table.
