Amakusa Ceramics has been loved for a long time as daily ware.
The history originated from porcelain used high-quality “Amakusa pottery stone” produced at Amakusa West Coast 250 years ago.
Amakusa region was ruled by government, each village had its headman and made its own pottery and porcelain. As a remnant of this, even today, visitors can find a wide variety of ceramics and porcelain that differ from kiln to kiln. 
This time, we introduce 4 of the 23 kilns. Why don’t you find out your favorite one?

・Ichiyama Kujiraya
・Yamanokuchi Ware
・Uchidasarayama Ware
・Maruo Ware

Ichiyama Kujiraya lines up many wares with lovely designs like dots, stripes, and pastel colors.
The first floor of a 50-year-old house is open to the public as a gallery. In the comfortable tatami-floored space, you will find a lineup of handmade pieces that convey warmth, from standard items such as plates, bowls, and cups to small items such as brooches and figurines.

The natural coloring and convenient size make this small dish a delight to use. Every piece has its own personality.

Free cup reminds of Kujira (Whale), the name of pottery, can be used as a small bowl.

(Left) The logo of the pottery was designed by a contemporary artist Katsuhiko Hibino. Please mark this sign and the chimney of the garage to find our store.
(Right) Fumiko Ichiyama trained as a potter at Maruo Pottery for 10 years before setting up her own business in 2010. She is making pottery every day with the aim of "creating tableware that can be placed on the table every day.

We recommend contacting the gallery before you visit because it is run privately. Please check the blog below for details.

Yamanokuchi Ware is providing simple and easy-to-use wares which blend into daily life.
They have a restaurant beside a gallery of their studio at a corner of residential area for showing how to use their wares. You can enjoy lunch while checking the usability.

Various kinds of wares stand out from the gallery's white walls, coffee cups, plates, and teapots made of high-quality pottery clay produced in Amakusa region.

(Left) The secret of its popularity is its "roundness" that fits nicely in your hand and its simple design that complements your food.
(Right) The interior of Yamanokuchi Restaurant. You can select from 2 lunch sets, Meatball Cacciatore and Cake set, or Today’s Special.

Yasuo Tsujimoto began to learn pottery at the age of 20, influenced by his grandfather who was a potter. He took over as the second generation in 2004, and holds private exhibitions a few times a year within and outside the prefecture.

The Uchida sarayama kiln is one of the few in Japan that produces not only porcelain but also ceramics, using Amakusa pottery stone and local clay mined by the company itself.

 The gallery, located just off Route 389, offers a lineup of about 5,000 pieces of pottery, including porcelain that stands out for the beautiful whiteness of its Amakusa pottery stone, and a variety of other pieces that can be selected according to your taste in terms of texture and design.

Adorable zodiac figurine and good-luck owl ornament are good for souvenirs.

When you finish eating, cute animals appear at the bottom of the bowl. This series, created by female craftsman raising young children, are painted carefully one by one.

(Left) The second generation of Uchidasarayama Ware, Kentaro Kiyama learned pottery in Kyoto.
(Right) This is the entrance of the gallery. They offer painting classes by appointment.

Founded in 1845, Maruo Ware is popular nationwide as a pottery with long history since the Edo period.
In the spacious gallery, they display daily tableware that preserve the tradition. The works are created by Miwa Kanazawa in charge of design and other creators. The collection includes comfortable tableware that you can hold in your hand and touch on your palate.

The tableware made by hands of craftsmen. Although the style has changed with the times, they use same ratio of glazes as the third generation’s recipe.

(Left) Porcelain ware using Amakusa pottery stone
(Right) Cute chopstick rests have its own personalities.

Maruo Ware is located 5 minutes’ drive from Amakusa City Hall. There is a studio behind the gallery space.

You can buy the works online, as well as order by phone.

"The Great Amakusa Ceramics Exhibition" will be held at the Amakusa Civic Center for five days from October 31 (Saturday) to November 4 (Wednesday).

In addition to the four kilns introduced here, 107 kilns from inside and outside of the prefecture will participate in the exhibition. This is a big event held once a year where you can select works while talking with potters from all over the country.

However, this year, due to COVID19 countermeasures, numbered admission tickets are required! 

Please reserve in advance at the website below."

●Amakusa Grand Ceramics Exhibition Special Site
http://amakusatoujiki.com/aca/

There will be many events at the venue, including a coffee shop where you can enjoy coffee using coffee cups made by the exhibiting potteries, and a “Display and Sale section”.

※The photos are from previous years