Kamadogama, Awajishima Tsurugi kiln

Authentic “Ko Iga ware” pottery experience

Under the guidance of ceramic artist Koichi Maeda, this is a pottery experience where you can make warm works.
The completed work is baked once a year by a kiln fire that is baked with firewood over four days in a full-fledged six-stage climbing kiln. It takes a long time from experience to completion, but therefore, the excitement when you get the completed work is exceptional.

Since the experience is held one by one, you can experience couples, couples, families, groups, etc. in a friendly atmosphere without hesitation.
Why don't you enjoy the time to concentrate on your fingertips and interact with the soil, and work on a single work created by the accidental weaving of people and nature?

About pottery experience

[Time required] 3-4 hours (from 13:30)
[Fee] One work 15,000 yen (including consumption tax) palm-sized work (cup, coffee bowl, tea bowl, etc.)
Number of Experiences Up to 4 people per day (more than that, consultation required)
[About delivery] The work we make is baked once a year in a climbing kiln in February.

February: Kiln burning of climbing kilns (4 day and night) ※Visitable
April: Completion of the work (molding, etc. after putting out the kiln) and handing over

We hope that you will be able to come directly and hand it over from Koichi Maeda.
※Basically, it is handed over, but home delivery service (charged) is also possible.
※We also accept the creation of makeup boxes (charged)

We are working on the regeneration of "Ko Iga", which existed for only 24 years in the Azuchi-Momoyama period, and burn it over four days and nights at a high temperature of 1400 degrees without using any glaze. The kiln firing, which takes place once a year, raises the temperature by putting firewood over four days, and on the last day, a large flame burns from the kiln to a height above the ceiling. It is as if passion is rising, and it is worth a look.

◆Free tour of the workshop and purchase of works are also possible.◆

The workshop may be absent, so please contact us in advance when you come.

About Mr. Koichi Maeda

Born in Awajishima in 1971
While studying at university, he started research with the late Professor Tetsuhiko Sugihara.
Accompanying the historical background of tea pottery and excavation of kilns.
1996: Construction of a 6-stage climbing kiln
Every year in 1998, four-day and night kiln firing began.
2014 Documentary Film “DREAMS OF FIRE” produced and screened by the I.p.p project
2020: Started analysis of the work of Tsurugi Kiln as a research object at a national university
2022 TED appearance
2023 Start of Traditional Crafts x NFT Project
Lecturer of World Youth Ship Project, Cabinet Office, 2024

We still inherit the tradition of Ko Iga, and convey fire, soil and human skills in Awajishima, the birthplace of the mythology. By using a six-stage climbing kiln that has been studied and baked at extremely high temperatures, the natural beauty that can be revealed without using glaze and the techniques of ancient people who draw out it as the best form are integrated. I would be grateful if you could get the work of this potter.