Yoshimura Rakunyu is a pottery studio specializing in Raku ware, a unique style within the Kyo-yaki/Kiyomizu-yaki pottery tradition. The Yoshimura family has been manufacturing whetstones in Kyoto since the Meiji era, but the first Rakunyu made pottery their main profession. The name "Rakunyu" has been passed down through generations, and the current head is the third generation. Biography of the 3rd Generation Manpukudo Yoshimura Rakunyu Born in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture in September 1959 Graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Doshisha University in March 1982 Completed the Traditional Industry Successor Training Ceramics Course at the Kyoto City Industrial Research Institute in March 1983 Graduated from the Molding Department of the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Art Training School in March 1984, and has since studied under his father, the previous generation Rakunyu, to the present day Selected for the Kyoto Kiyomizu-yaki Paris Exhibition in 1993 Founded "Rakunyu Kiln" in 1989 and currently serves as its director Received the "Jusei" seal from Abbot Kumagai Ryusho of Sennyu-ji Temple in 2000, and has used it until succeeding to the name Certified as a Traditional Craftsman in 2001 Inherited the name Yoshimura Rakunyu in 2004, and has since held solo exhibitions in various locations Certified as a "Future Master Craftsman" by Kyoto City in 2011 Currently a member of the Kyoto Crafts and Arts Association Part-time lecturer at Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts Raku ware (楽焼, raku-yaki) is a type of Japanese pottery traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, most often in the form of chawan tea bowls. It is traditionally characterised by being hand-shaped rather than thrown, fairly porous vessels, which result from low firing temperatures, lead glazes and the removal of pieces from the kiln while still glowing hot. In the traditional Japanese process, the fired raku piece is removed from the hot kiln and is allowed to cool in the open air. Please refer to the accompanying images for a visual representation, though note that the photos may not capture all the intricate details of this exquisite piece. Shipping is handled by Japan Post. Please note that the package may be larger and heavier than the product itself due to the careful packaging of the product for safe shipping. Any customs duties or additional fees will be the responsibility of the buyer.