Please come and visit our factory
Hawaki (Surface Cleaning)
At Takayama, the production process begins when we receive the pottery in its bisque-fired state.
The first step is to carefully clean each bisque-fired piece.
Using an electric feather duster, we remove dust and other particles from the surface of the pottery.
Cleaning the surface helps pigments adhere evenly during decoration and ensures a beautiful finish when the glaze is applied.
Pad Printing
One of Takayama’s specialties is pad printing.
This technique also allows for multicolor decoration.
In this process, pigments from a resin printing plate are transferred onto a silicone pad, which is then pressed onto the surface of the pottery to create the design.
Pad printing is particularly effective at reproducing the warmth of hand-painted designs and expressing subtle variations in color and shading.
Painting
Fine details that cannot be reproduced through pad printing are carefully painted by hand using brushes.
Our artisans use traditional techniques such as "Sujihiki," which involves painting delicate lines, and "Fuchisabi," a technique used to decorate the rims of pottery.
They also hand-paint small human-shaped decorative figures known as "Ikkanjin," adding color to these charming details.
Our Staff
This is the workspace of the artisan who creates the original artwork for Takayama’s pottery designs.
If your visit coincides with the artisan’s working hours, you may have the opportunity to watch the designs being hand-painted up close.
Glaze
Glaze is applied to the decorated pottery, coating its surface.
Next, each piece is placed on a water-moistened sponge conveyor to remove the glaze from the foot ring (the base of the pottery).
Removing the glaze from the foot ring prevents the pottery from sticking to the kiln shelf when the glaze melts during firing.
※ There are many different types of glazes, each creating a unique appearance and texture after firing. Some become transparent, while others produce vibrant colors. Finishes can range from smooth and glossy with a translucent appearance to soft, matte textures.
Robat Arm
This robot handles a wide variety of tableware shapes and applies glaze consistently.
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 pottery is carefully loaded into the kiln for its final firing.
At Takayama, the kiln reaches a temperature of 1,270°C (2,318°F). The pottery is fired for approximately 10 hours, followed by a gradual cooling process of about 12 hours.
※ As the kiln reaches high temperatures, the glaze melts and forms a glass-like coating on the surface of the pottery.
This process enhances the beauty of each piece, makes it virtually non-absorbent, and increases its strength and durability.
◇ Number of pieces that can be fired in a single kiln cycle (per day)
→ Approximately 3,000 pieces (※ Depending on the type and size of the pottery.)
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.
