Tsutsumi-yaki

堤焼

"I was impressed by the thoughtful designs hidden on the underside and inside of the pottery, showing craftsman spirits seeking not just visual beauty, but functionality for people who use it daily."

-Hana Tsukamoto

Historical Background

Charactristics

To know more!

Overcoming Disaster, Preserving Tradition

Pottery Workshop Information

Direct Voice

References

Historical Background

Tsutsumi-yaki is a traditional pottery style from Sendai, with origins dating back to the mid-Edo period (1688–1704). It began when Date Tsunamura, the fourth lord of the Sendai domain, invited a potter named Uemura Manemon from Edo (Tokyo) to train local artisans. Initially, the pottery was called Sugiyama-yaki, named after the clay excavation site in Sugiyamadai (present-day Dainohara). However, as most of the kilns were located in Tsutsumimachi (now in Aoba district, Sendai City), the name Tsutsumi-yaki gradually became more common. Originally, tea utensils were crafted as gifts for the Date family and their retainers, later becoming prized offerings to feudal lords and noble families. In the Meiji period, Tsutsumi-yaki expanded beyond aristocratic circles and became popular as everyday ware across the Tohoku region, embraced by the general public.

At its peak, nearly 20 kilns were active. However, starting in 1955, the spread of mass-produced inexpensive ceramics such as enamelware and plastic goods led to a sharp decline in the craft. Additionally, urban development in areas like Dainohara made it difficult to collect quality clay. In Tsutsumimachi, residential expansion led to complaints about smoke and soot from the kilns, eventually forcing many potteries to close. Today, only one kiln remains: Kenba Kiln, which relocated to Marutazawa (Izumi district in Sendai) in 1964 and has continued preserving the Tsutsumi-yaki.

Date Tsunamura(伊達綱村)

Nobori-gama (climbing kiln) in Kenba Kiln

Charactristics

Tsutsumi-yaki is known for its rustic charm, brought to life by the rough yet durable local clay and the striking contrast of its signature glaze called Namako-yu (Sea Cucumber Glaze). This glaze features flowing patterns of black and white that resemble the skin of a sea cucumber (namako). Craftsmen boldly poured the glaze by hand over individual bowls. No two pieces are the same.

Most of the materials used are sourced locally. The red clay and stones come from areas such as Dainohara and Marutazawa in Sendai. The Namako-yu glaze is also made from regional resources like river rocks and rice husk ash. Because of its deep connection to the local landscape and traditional craftsmanship, Tsutsumi-yaki was officially designated as a Traditional Craft of Miyagi Prefecture in 1982.

Craftsmen handle every step of the process themselves, from preparing the clay from raw earth which alone takes two years. Every pottery carries the souls and characteristics of the people who made it.

To know more!

Interview with Shun Haryu, a young Tsutsumi-yaki craftman [Japanese only]

Visiting Tsutsumi-yaki Kenba Klin

[Japanese only]

Interview with 4th Kenba Haryu, a top of a Tsusumi-yaki caftman [Japanese only]

Visiting Tsutsumi-yaki Kenba Kin Vlog (from 6:42) [Japanese only]

Overcoming Disaster, Preserving Tradition

On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, severely damaging the Kenbaga Kiln. All four kilns were destroyed and became unusable. While wheel-throwing was still possible, firing　came to a complete halt.

Kenba Haryu, the fifth-generation master, recalls:

“The tradition we built up felt like it suddenly reduced to zero. It's said that pottery takes three generations—over 100 years—to master. We still had clay. We still had glaze. We still had the wheel and the skills. I just couldn’t lose my heart and let them all end.” (From YouTube clip by Ashita Heno Tobira)

Support came from AGF Corporation through its “Kizuna Through Pottery” project, which helped restore a gas kiln. Thanks to their support, Kenbaga Kiln was able to resume production in June 2012.

Damaged gas kiln by earthquake

Restored gas kiln

Pottery Workshop Information

Fees (Cash only):
Adults (1kg clay) ¥3,200
Children (500g clay) ¥1,600
Group Size: 4 to 36 participants (consultation required for fewer than 3)
Duration: Around 2–3 hours
Reservation: Contact via the inquiry page or by phone (TEL: 022-372-3639)
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Tsutsumi-yaki Kenbaga Kiln

8-4 Akasaka, Kamiyagari Aza, Izumi Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 〒981-3121

Direct Voice

Though simple and calm with a black-and-white color scheme, each piece felt sophisticated thanks to its elegant form and expressive glaze patterns. I was impressed by the thoughtful designs hidden even on the underside and inside of the pottery, showing craftsman spirits seeking not just visual beauty, but real functionality for people who use.Touching the surface, I could sense the texture of the boldly applied glaze and the finger marks by craftsmen. As a craft rooted in the local community, Tsutsumi-yaki has earned enduring affection and has even survived a major disaster. I believe such a tradition will continue to be handed down to future generations.

-Hana Tsukamoto