The history of Japanese ceramics is a long and distinguished one, beginning more than 12,000 years ago. By the end of the 12th century, there were six historic pottery centers: Bizen, Shigaraki, Tamba, Seto, Echizen and Tokoname.

Together they are acknowledged as “The Six Ancient Kilns of Japan”, and their present-day methods still reflect the typical medieval pottery centers of old. Among all of these highly respected groups, the Tokoname kilns are said to be the oldest and largest of them, far outnumbering those found in other parts of Japan.

Located in Aichi Prefecture, along the west coast of the Chita Peninsula, Tokoname artisans took advantage of their proximity to the Pacific to ship their wares throughout Japan. As a result, old Tokoname pottery has been unearthed in many of Japan’s major cities.