Kashogama

Kashogama: Artistry in Kyoto, A Journey through History and New Frontiers

古都、芸術の粋が五条坂に宿る。歴史を紡ぎ、嘉祥窯が新たな挑戦を垣間見る旅へ。

1. The Essence of Kyoto Pottery

Setting the Stage in the Nara Period

The pottery tradition in Kyoto traces its roots back to the Nara period when the monk Gyoki established a kiln. The remnants of this kiln, still present in the form of the Chawan Slope, resonate with the ancient history of this craft.

A Treasury of Tradition

Before the Muromachi period, the fusion of techniques from China and Korea ushered in the golden age of tea ceramics. The flourishing of temples and the way of tea propelled the creation of exquisite tea bowls and utensils.

Evolution from Raku Ware

In the early Edo period, the emergence of Raku ware marked the beginning, laying the foundation for what would later become "Kyoyaki" or Kyoto ware. This era coincided with the rise of the tea ceremony, propelling ceramics into a new age.

2. History and Radiance of Kajikiln's Artistry

Pride of Kyoto's Gojozaka

Founded in 1914 by the first generation, Kashogama stands as a cornerstone of ceramic artistry, nestled on Gojozaka in Kyoto. The history of this kiln is adorned with beauty and elegance.

Inherited Passion

Craftsmen from the first to the fourth generation have woven a rich tapestry of history. Rooted in the soil of Gojozaka, their creations, adorned with beauty, have evolved and been passed down through the generations.

International Endeavors and New Challenges

Kashogama extends its brilliance beyond kilns, actively participating on the international stage. The fourth generation, in collaboration with his father, ventures into ceramic production in China, blending traditional techniques with innovative expressions.

Ventures in the United States

Kashogama's pursuits transcend national borders, with active engagements in the United States. The second, third, and fourth generations passionately hold exhibitions and solo shows globally, earning acclaim. Particularly, the fourth generation boldly embraces challenges in Chinese kilns, incorporating traditional techniques while exploring novel expressions. Their activities pioneer new facets of ceramic artistry.

3. Profound Aesthetics of the Kiln and Novel Ventures

Magic Within the Kiln

Colors and patterns on Kashogama's creations are not mere coincidences; they are conjured by the magic within the kiln. Calculated techniques harmonize within the kiln, giving depth and unique beauty to each piece.

Art in Restaurants and Cafés

Kashogama not only engages in pottery but also extends its operations to restaurants and cafes. In the thriving pottery town of Shigaraki, located in Shiga Prefecture, "Gallery & Cafe ENSOU" offers an opportunity to appreciate the works of the fourth generation, along with enjoying delicious coffee and light meals. Meanwhile, "Gallery ENSOU" serves as a hub for disseminating the charm of pottery through research on kiln firing techniques and pottery classes.

Resonance with Culture

The fourth generation's fresh endeavors shine brightly. The fusion of glass and ceramics, collaboration with chefs—these experiments integrate ceramics into daily life, unveiling new charms.

4. The Charms of Kashogama: My Personal Impressions

I had the valuable experience of interviewing Kashogama, touching upon its beauty and history. The aesthetics woven within the kiln and the new artistic forms born from fresh challenges constitute the charm shaping the future of traditional Kyoto pottery. Moreover, surpassing the confines of pottery, it unfolds into new developments, illustrating the boundless possibilities of art that Kashogama possesses.

1. 京都、陶器の息吹

舞台は奈良時代

京都の陶芸は奈良時代、僧行基が築いた窯から始まりました。今も残る茶碗坂は、その古代の息吹を感じさせてくれます。

伝統の宝庫

室町時代以前、中国や朝鮮の技術が融合し、茶陶の黄金時代が到来。寺院や茶道の隆盛が、美しい茶碗や茶入の製造を後押ししました。

楽焼から続く躍進

江戸時代初期、聚楽焼が芽生え、これが後の「京焼」へと発展していきました。茶の湯文化との調和から新たな時代への一歩が始まりました。

2. 嘉祥窯の歴史と芸術の輝き

京都五条坂の誇り

初代が1914年に創業した嘉祥窯は、美と雅を追求する陶芸の拠点として、京都五条坂にその歴史を刻んでいます。

代々受け継がれる志

初代から四代目までの職人たちが紡いだ歴史。五条坂の土地に根ざし、美しさに彩られた作品は、代を重ねるごとに進化と継承を遂げています。

国際的な活動と新たな挑戦

嘉祥窯は窯だけでなく、国際的な舞台でもその美を発信。四代目は父とともに中国での制作に挑戦し、伝統技法と新しい表現の融合を試みています。

アメリカでの挑戦

嘉祥窯の挑戦は国を越え、アメリカでも活動を展開しています。二代目、三代目、そして四代目は国内外での展覧会や個展を精力的に開催し、その作品は世界中で高い評価を受けています。特に四代目は、アメリカの窯での制作に挑戦し、伝統的な技法を取り入れながら新しい表現にも果敢に取り組んでいます。

3. 窯の奥深き美学と新たな挑戦

窯の中の魔法

焼き色や柄は単なる偶然ではなく、窯の魔法によって生み出されます。計算された技術が窯の中で調和し、作品に深みと独自の美を与えています。

レストランとカフェのアート

嘉祥窯は陶芸だけでなく、レストランやカフェの運営にも手を広げています。滋賀県にある陶芸の盛んな町、信楽町にある「Gallery＆Cafe ENSOU」では、四代目の作品と美味しいコーヒーや軽食を楽しむことができ、「Gallery ENSOU」は穴窯焼成の研究と陶芸教室を通じて、陶芸の魅力を発信する拠点となっています。