Interview with 15th Generation Ceramist - KAZUYA OTA （太田万弥）of MARUDAI Kiln （小石原マルダイ窯） in Koishiwara. Hear Mr. Ota defines what it means to be a "Shokunin" (Japan artisan), and thoughts on apprenticeship and changes that carries 400 years of history. Koishiwara was started strategically as utilitarian pottery in 17th century. And was praised by Yanagi Soetsu 柳宗悦 (famous philosopher) in the early 20th century for its BEAUTY OF FUNCTIONALITY - 用の美 For an introduction of the background of Koishiwara ware, check out our other interview with Takatori ware, another school of ceramics co-existing in the same village. https://www.taketombo.jp/artisans

KOISHIWARA is a small mountain village with 400 years of pottery history. There are over 50 kilns run by families still actively producing hand-made ceramics ware. This small town is quaint and beautiful. Koishiwara artisans welcome any visitor who wants to take some time to learn and experience about their hometown and crafts. With great pleasure we sat down with Mr. Shinobu Takatori, whom give us an introduction on the history of this 400 year-old family-run kiln. Takatori-style pottery is probably not widely known to the international audience. Whether you are a clay art enthusiast, cultural traveler, or curious about Japanese tea ceremony, you will find this interesting. Oh, and we'd love to hear from you, drop us a line if you have more queries about Takatori-ware, we will help find answers (and include in future craft stories)! ENJOY.

Mr. Shinobu Takatori (14th generation Ceramists) talks about the history and concept of wabi-tea ceremony and it's tea utensils. And how "kirei-sabi" (beautiful simplicity) becomes the core of his family kiln and pottery work. INTEREST TO LEARN MORE OR VISIT THE KILNS? Visit www.taketombo.jp If you missed the previous video, please watch: https://youtu.be/dsLHfT1Fnt4 An introduction on the history of the village Koishiwara in Fukuoka prefecture, how many small pottery villages settled in the hidden mountain locations 400 years ago.

Taketombo features: Yamamaru kiln - Ceramist Kajiwara Hizuru interview Interview with 14th Generation Ceramist - HIZURU KAJIWARA （梶原日出）of YAMAMARU Kiln （小石原ヤママル窯） in Koishiwara. Mr. Kajiwara tells story about Yamamaru, uniqueness of the 400-year-old Koishiwara ceramics, and thoughts about being a Shokunin (Japanese artisan).