Characteristics of the production area
砥部焼 Tobe-yaki
Tobe ware is a type of pottery made mainly in Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture. It has been designated an intangible cultural property by Ehime Prefecture.
List of artists/makers
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4826/6268/files/icon_hiromi_Yamada_230x330_f87bd2e3-bb06-4d29-a58f-e86096758f4d.jpg?v=1705895782)
Ceramicist
山田 ひろみ
Hiromi Yamada
After learning the techniques of blue and white porcelain in Arita, he developed his own technique in Tobe called the brushing technique, which involves layering colors with a brush with cut, even bristles. He is one of the leading Tobe ware artists, and has been designated an intangible cultural asset by Ehime Prefecture.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4826/6268/files/icon_kimio_Yamada_330x230_8534a19d-92f4-411c-bcf2-423f100e293a.jpg?v=1705891779)
Ceramicist
山田 公夫
Kimio Yamada
After training in Arita, he worked as the second generation owner of Kiyoshigama in Tobe. He established the Arita-specific molding technique using a beef spatula in Tobe, and his high level of technique has earned him high praise from many experts. By adding differences in the mixture of glazes and firing methods, he creates works with a variety of expressions.
![](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/4826\/6268\/files\/icon_genyo_kono_230x330_2457bc5f-853f-4928-98e6-d37c8cd97f15.jpg?v=1706002120)
Ceramicist
河野 玄容
Genyo Kono
He is one of the most highly skilled Tobe ware artists, having received high praise for his work, which he has applied his experience as an interior designer to, and has been certified as a first-class craftsman by the National Examination. He creates pieces that suit both Western and Japanese styles and are appropriate for the new era.
![](https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/4826\/6268\/files\/icon_Yoshu_Takenishi-230x330.jpg?v=1706002529)
Ceramicist
竹西 予州
Yosyu Takenishi
Joshua Blue, which expresses the "Sea of Seto" and the "Sky of Iyo", has attracted many people with its deep blue beauty, and has attracted attention as a new presence not found in Tobe ware up until now. In recent years, he has been active in a wide range of fields, including donating his work to the Vatican City.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4826/6268/files/icon_kazuya_yamamoto_230x330_8d038a0b-ed1f-4b1f-80df-e99f188867ce.jpg?v=1706001400)
Ceramicist
山本 和哉
Kazuya Yamamoto
He is a popular potter who makes pottery at Washo Kiln, which was established by his father, Shunichi, and is known for his unique painting techniques known as "Etude patterns." One of the characteristics of his work is that no two pieces are the same, as he paints each piece by hand while cherishing the feeling of the moment.