Mino Ware

The history of Mino Ware dates back to the year 905, when it gained mention as one of the places that produce fine ceramics. It is glazed stoneware which can vary from red to grey. There are many varieties of Mino Ware and they can be left plain or decorated with simple motifs. The centers for Mino Ware are Tajimi city and Toki city in Gifu prefecture.The glaze is made from ashes and called shirashi and produces beautiful gradation in colors. A total of 15 different types of Mino ware are parts of Japan’s official traditional craft.

Kaneko Kohyo Pottery was established in 1921 in the city of Toki - the center of production for traditional Mino Ware craft. Based on ancient techniques and local know-how Kaneko Kohyo creates traditional products as well as designs that are suited to serve day to day life in a Western household.

The GIYAMAN series received a lot of international recognition and is even used in a cafe operated by a famous luxury brand in Paris.

Kaneko Kohyo takes particular pride in developing cups to improve the enjoyment of drinking sake or shochu. This highlight of these series is the sake tasting set consisting of 4 different types of cups designed to suit different kinds of sake.