Kichuyo-kiln

A Historic Japanese Climbing Kiln in Kamakura

其中窯

Kichuyo (其中窯) is a traditional climbing kiln, located in Kamakura, where Japanese Zen first took root and began to spread throughout the country. It once belonged to one of the most famous ceramic artists, Rosanjin Kitaoji (北大路魯山人). After Rosanjin died, the ceramic artist Kitaro Kawamura inherited the kiln by arrangement of the Zen master Daiki Tachibana of Daitokuji (大徳寺), which is a Buddhist temple located in Kyoto. The Kawamura family has been creating the finest ceramic works there for three generations; since then, Kitaro's grandson, Kifumi Kawamura (河村喜史), is currently making beautiful pieces at Kichuyo.

  • Shaping a new piece on the potter’s wheel.

  • Preparing firewood for the climbing kiln.

  • Pouring a creamy ash glaze over a large bowl.

  • Filling the chamber densely with pieces so the flame can circulate evenly around them.

  • Feeding the kiln through the night to keep the temperature steady.

  • Taking out finished pieces after waiting for the climbing kiln to cool down.