Discover the Heartfelt Legacy of Ryozangama: Rare Vintage Pottery from Japan's Haruta Family

Every piece of Ryozangama pottery tells a story—a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and familial love. Handcrafted over a century ago by Haruta Shinsuke, these elegant ceramics reflect the spirit of Ichinokura, a village celebrated for its thousand-year history of pottery making. Today, this rare collection offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Japanese heritage, lovingly preserved and curated for connoisseurs of vintage beauty.

The Origins of Ryozangama: A Potter’s Passion and Heritage

Born in 1886 in Ichinokura, Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, Haruta Shinsuke grew up surrounded by the rich traditions of pottery. Following in his family’s footsteps, he established Ryozangama, his pottery studio, at the age of 20, naming it after the birth of his son, Ryozo. Shinsuke’s vision was to craft beautiful, functional ceramics that brought elegance to everyday life, from tea cups to small plates.

However, like many artisan legacies, Ryozangama faced challenges as modernity changed Japan’s cultural landscape. By 1965, the studio was forced to close due to a lack of successors. This makes the remaining pieces from Ryozangama not only rare but also a cherished glimpse into a bygone era of Japanese craftsmanship.

The Unique Beauty of “Sometsuke”: Hand-Painted Indigo on White Porcelain

One of the standout features of the Ryozangama collection is the “Sometsuke” technique, a meticulous art of hand-painting intricate patterns onto unglazed porcelain using Gosu, a cobalt-based pigment. Before firing, Gosu appears black or brown, but it transforms into a vivid indigo blue when subjected to high temperatures. This transformation symbolizes the magic of Japanese pottery.

What sets Ryozangama’s Sometsuke pieces apart is the family’s unique Gosu mixture, passed down through generations. This personal touch lends an irreplicable warmth and character to each piece, evident in the subtle variations of brushstrokes and color shades. Unlike mass-produced patterns, every Ryozangama dish carries the soul of its maker, offering a tactile connection to the past.

Ichinokura: Japan’s Historical Pottery Village

Ichinokura, nestled in Tajimi City, is more than just a pottery village—it’s a living testament to Japan’s cultural heritage. With roots tracing back over 1,000 years to the Heian period, this small town has long been a hub for master artisans. Its pristine white porcelain was even supplied to Edo Castle and Kyoto’s Imperial Palace, solidifying its reputation as a cradle of ceramic excellence.

The birthplace of Mino-Yaki, Ichinokura has continuously evolved, blending tradition with innovation. Today, visitors can walk along Oribe Street, where they’ll encounter the charm of old kilns, workshops, and beautifully crafted ceramics. Each piece of Ryozangama pottery is a fragment of this storied legacy, connecting you to a history rich in artistry and craftsmanship.