About Us

About Toukou
Toukou was founded in 2011 and began by creating original pottery called "Utakarakatsu," featuring hand-painted haiku and calligraphy on bisque-fired ware, which is then kiln-fired in a traditional Karatsu climbing kiln. Since 2013, we have been selling works by Karatsu ware artists through our online shop and gallery.

All Natural, All Handmade
We are captivated by the charm of traditional pottery made with Karatsu clay, natural glazes, and fired in a wood-fueled climbing kiln. We use, nurture, and enjoy these handmade ceramics ourselves. Each piece, born from craftsmanship, has a unique character not found in industrial products, and carries the touch of the maker. And it is beautiful.

How is it Created?
Curious about how beautiful objects are made, we visit the production sites and personally select the wonderful pieces. We eagerly anticipate what kind of works we will encounter with each firing, as the seasonal and weather conditions can bring about different results in the kiln.

Caring for Your Pottery - Kintsugi
At Toukou, should a purchased piece become chipped or damaged, we offer Kintsugi repair services through our in-house specialized department.

Connecting
Japanese crafts have continued to captivate people with their uniqueness and high level of technique. We hope to share the traditional Japanese craftsmanship with you, allowing you to experience its richness. Our goal is to preserve these techniques, handed down through the ages, and pass them on to the future.

If you would like to view the pieces introduced on our online shop in person, you are welcome to visit our gallery in Komae City. We would appreciate it if you could inform us before your visit. Additionally, there are pieces in the gallery that are not listed online, so please feel free to take a look at those as well.