Nestled within the serene landscapes of Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture, the tale of Shibukusa-yaki ceramics unfolds, weaving a narrative of resilience, innovation, and cultural heritage.
Dating back to 1841, when Toyoda Tomonao, the governor of Hida, envisioned a kiln in Shibukusa as a beacon of artistic expression and economic vitality, Shibukusa-yaki has since become synonymous with the rich craft culture of Hida Takayama.
Originally conceived as a public-private joint venture, the Shibukusa-yaki Utilizing the local Shibukusa stone as their raw material, these artisans crafted exquisite porcelain pieces known as "Hida Akae" or "Hida Kutani,"
However, with the decline of the Edo shogunate, support waned, and Shibukusa-yaki faced a period of uncertainty.
Yet, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Shibukusa-yaki experienced a renaissance in 1878 when Hokokusha, led by Genjiro Miwa and his comrades, breathed new life into the craft.
these artisans achieved acclaim on both national and international stages, showcasing their exquisite creations at prestigious events such as the Paris Exposition and the Japan-British Exhibition in London, 1910.
Today, Shibukusa-yaki continues to thrive, with production taking place at two distinguished locations: Hokokusha and ryuuzou-kama.