Please come and visit our factory
Factory tours are available by appointment at any time. ☚
Hawaki (Surface Cleaning)
At Takayama, our process begins when the pieces arrive in their bisque-fired state.
We start by carefully cleaning each bisque-fired piece.
Using an electric feather brush, we remove any particles attached to the surface of the tableware.
Cleaning the surface helps the colors apply more beautifully during decoration and allows the glaze to achieve a smoother, more refined finish.
Pad Printing
One of Takayama’s specialties is pad printing.
Multi-color decoration is also possible.
This technique transfers pigment from a resin plate onto a silicone pad, which is then pressed onto the surface of the tableware.
It is well suited for creating a hand-painted feel, as well as subtle variations in color and shading.
Painting
Fine details that cannot be created with pad printing are painted by hand using a brush.
We use techniques such as sujibiki, which creates fine lines, and fuchisabi, a decorative finish applied to the rim.
We also hand-apply color to small human-shaped decorative motifs known as ikkanjin.
Our Staff
This is the booth of the artisan who creates the original artwork for Takayama’s designs.
Depending on the timing of your visit, you may be able to watch the artisan drawing up close.
Glaze
Glaze is applied to the decorated tableware to coat the surface.
Next, each piece is placed on a water-moistened sponge conveyor, where the glaze is removed from the foot ring, or the base of the piece.
Removing the glaze from the foot ring prevents the melted glaze from sticking to the kiln shelf during firing.
There are many types of glazes. Some become transparent after firing, some develop vivid colors, and others create a smooth, glass-like finish or a matte texture.
Robat Arm
Amount that can be fired in one kiln load per day
Approximately 3,000 pieces
※ This may vary depending on the type and size of the tableware.
Kiln
The pieces are loaded into the kiln for the final firing.
At Takayama, the kiln is fired at 1,270°C for approximately 10 hours, followed by about 12 hours of cooling.
When the kiln reaches a high temperature, the glaze melts and forms a glass-like layer that coats the surface of the tableware.
This process gives the pieces a beautiful finish, eliminates water absorption, and increases their strength.
Amount that can be fired in one kiln load per day
Approximately 3,000 pieces
※ This may vary depending on the type and size of the tableware.
Smoothing the Foot
The foot ring of each fired piece is polished.
This creates a smooth finish to help prevent scratches on tables and other surfaces, while also improving the feel of the piece in the hand.
Inspection
Each finished piece is picked up and inspected by hand.
During this process, we check for issues such as significant color unevenness, partial damage, or small stains.
Pieces that do not meet our product standards are carefully removed.
After quality inspection, the finished tableware is shipped to various locations.
Our products are delivered to trading companies and retail partners, and are also sold directly through our own shop.
