Kurojoka Pot by Ryumonji Pottery

This Kurojoka was made at the Ryumonji pottery cooperative's kiln in Kagoshima.

A Kurojoka is a form unique to Kagoshima ceramics, and specifically the 'kuro-mon' tradition in folk craft.

Shochu spirit distilled with sweet potatoes is the signature drink of Kagoshima, and it is often drunk hot.  An original purpose of the kurojoka was as a vessel to heat the drink.  

This one is completed in the kuroyuaonagashi (blue glaze trail on a black background) form of surface design, that is classic within the palette of Ryumonji ceramics.

It is 14cm in diameter and 16cm high.  It weighs 500g, and has a capacity of 250ml.  (*The pictured cup is sold separately).

About the Ryumonji Pottery Cooperative 

Sourcing the ingredients for their ceramics in their immediate area, and firing them in a wood fired hillside kiln, Ryumonji-ware is connected to Kagoshima’s land, and to the history of its ceramics.

With history dating to the early Edo era, Ryumonji-ware is one of the lineages in so called ‘black’ Kagoshima ceramics. In contrast to the ‘white’ work that was characterised by its finery, and provided to the rulers of the domain, the ceramics made at the Ryumonji kilns were for use in everyday life. It developed a rustic beauty, and a quality that began to be truly appreciated in the 20th century. Despite this, ceramics in the region was under threat, but ultimately preserved by the creation of the pottery cooperative.

Ryumonji-ware is known for the excellent quality of white base decoration clay, and for pattern work such as green and caramel brown trailing, or blues onto blacks. The potters make Kagoshima classics such as the ‘choka’ vessels used for serving the local shochu spirt, and use distinct firing techniques and locally found materials to achieve their shark skin and dakatsu effect glazes. As such the work in Ryumonji-ware is a tradition alive and evolving.