KOBEIGAMA
- Two Centuries of Timeless Craft -
Founded in 1804, Kobeigama began its legacy as a purveyor of fine tableware to the Shogun’s household at Edo Castle. For over two centuries, the kiln has been passed down through generations of master potters, each shaping works that embody the aesthetics and spirit of their time.
At the heart of Kobeigama’s story is an enduring reverence for artistry. The sixth-generation master, Takuo Kato, was named a Living National Treasure for his revival of ancient Persian ceramic techniques and for his masterful creations in Aoyu (blue glaze), lusterware, and Sansai.
Today, Kobeigama is more than a kiln — it is the cultural heart of the Mino Ceramic Village, home to a museum and beautifully preserved historical buildings. Its exceptional value as a cultural destination has been recognized with a prestigious two-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the beauty and legacy of Japanese ceramic excellence.
From National Treasure to a New Generation: The Enduring Art of Kobeigama
Over generations, the Kato family has shaped the legacy of Kobeigama into one of Japan’s most respected ceramic lineages — a name synonymous with innovation, tradition, and enduring beauty.
Takuo Kato VI (1917–2005), after years of dedicated study, succeeded in reviving ancient Persian ceramic techniques and the Shōsōin Sansai style.
His creations — from ethereal lusterware and vivid Aoyu (blue glaze) to refined Sansai and Persian-style color paintings — brought together timeless tradition and original artistry. In recognition of these groundbreaking contributions, he was honored as a Living National Treasure of Japan.
These treasured techniques were inherited and refined by his son, Kobei Kato VII, who established a contemporary aesthetic rooted in this profound legacy. Today, under the guidance of Kobei VII and his son Ryotaro Kato, the eighth generation, Kobeigama continues to evolve. Ryotaro is passionately engaged in the revival and reinterpretation of Mino Momoyama pottery, one of Japan’s most expressive ceramic traditions.
Supporting this lineage, over twenty skilled artisans work under their direction — crafting elegant Japanese tableware that unites past and present, function and beauty, with every piece fired.
The Timeless Allure of Kobeigama’s Blue Glaze
Kobeigama’s signature blue glaze is a hallmark of elegance — a luminous, deep cobalt that evokes the quiet beauty of the Japanese landscape. This exceptional glaze, developed and refined over generations, draws inspiration from the refined aesthetics of Chinese Ming and Qing dynasty porcelains, reinterpreted through the sensibilities of Mino ware. Its depth and richness are achieved through a painstaking process of layering the glaze four to five times, followed by multiple firings and delicate applications of gold detailing — a testament to both patience and precision.
At the heart of this tradition is Takao Kato, the sixth-generation master of Kobeigama, who was named a Living National Treasure of Japan for his mastery of iron-rich blue glazes (tetsuyu) and the revival of classical techniques. Kato’s work is revered not only for its technical brilliance but also for its quiet, contemplative presence — vessels that speak of time, fire, and spirit. Under his guidance, Kobeigama continues to produce works that transcend function, transforming everyday objects into heirlooms of beauty and cultural memory.
The blue glaze of Kobeigama is more than a color — it is a living expression of heritage, shaped by the hands of masters and destined to be treasured for generations to come.
Honored with Two Stars in the Michelin Green Guide
At Kobeigama, visitors can experience the world of Mino pottery through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and immersive cultural activities — all set within a historically rich and inspiring environment.
Recognized for its deep cultural significance and exceptional visitor experience, the Michelin Green Guide has awarded Kobeigama a prestigious two-star rating since 2009, recommending it as a destination “worth a detour” for travelers seeking an authentic encounter with Japanese craftsmanship.