Kyo yaki is the name given to pottery made in the Higashiyama district
of Kyoto. Kyo yaki came into being at the end of the 16th century, a period
of great growth for Kyoto as the nation's capital and centre of politics
and trade. The popularity of the tea ceremony created a demand for tea-ware,
and the presence in Kyoto of artisans from all over the country, each equipped
with their own special skills, meant that Kyoto was perfectly equipped
to meet this need. This eclectic mix meant that Kyo yaki was able to borrow
pottery techniques and designs from other regions of Japan as well as from
China and Korea. This fusion gave rise to an original style and led the
potters to experiment even further, giving Kyoto a reputation for innovative
pieces with a character all of their own.
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