Gallery Toyonaka

“Okamoto-yaki”, a style of pottery produced in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture, is known for its rich, multidimensional colors that shift depending on the angle from which they are viewed. Unlike most ceramics that are glazed before firing—resulting in a glass-like coating—Okamoto-yaki is crafted using a unique method that does not rely on glaze. Instead, during the firing process, soot from domestic red pine wood naturally settles onto the surface of each piece, creating a glaze-like finish and producing the distinct depth of color that defines Okamoto-yaki.

Because glaze is not applied, the surface of the clay remains breathable even after firing. It is said that beverages such as coffee or water become noticeably smoother in taste when served in an Okamoto-yaki cup.

Gallery Toyonaka was established in 1998 with the mission of nurturing and promoting young ceramic artists, and serves as a direct retailer for Okamoto-yaki. The gallery features a wide array of works and attracts customers from all over Japan. All works are fired once a year in a custom-built climbing kiln. The temperature is raised to over 1,200°C, and the firing process takes several days. Experienced artisans carefully listen to the sound of the fire and watch the flames, adding firewood as needed. Since temperature varies depending on the placement and tier within the kiln, delicate adjustments—guided by the artisans’ intuition and skill—are essential.

The result is a body of work defined by deep, complex colors, achieved through exceptional mastery of flame and firing techniques. Over time, the appearance of Okamoto-yaki pieces naturally evolves with use, deepening their character and encouraging a sense of attachment in the owner. As the only Okamoto-yaki kiln in Kagawa Prefecture, the studio continues to create works with the aim of enriching everyday life through handcrafted vessels.

The Mitoyo area of Kagawa has been a center of pottery since the 7th century, thanks to its rich clay soils and abundance of red pine wood for firewood. The Okamoto-yaki technique was established in the Meiji period and continues to make use of this ideal local clay. From the late Meiji through early Showa eras, it flourished as a secondary occupation for farming families, and spread across Kyushu, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions. Okamoto-yaki is still produced today using traditional climbing kiln techniques, and in 1986, it was officially designated as a traditional craft of Kagawa Prefecture.