Fumoto Kiln

The plates from Fumoto Kiln hold a special place in my heart, as they were the first ones I purchased in my early 20s. Founded in 1965 by Taishu Inoue, Fumoto Kiln is now run by him and his son Naoyuki, renowned artisans in the ceramic town of Arao-city, Kumamoto prefecture. This town is famous for its "shodai-yaki," boasting a heritage of over 400 years. In line with other ceramic families in the area, the Inoues preserve the ancient technique of shodai-yaki, showcasing its signature snow-white hue from the straw ash glaze.

Today, Naoyuki oversees most of the family's creations, blending traditional methods with a touch of innovation by incorporating English slipware techniques from the 18th century. The result is a captivating fusion of modern patterns that lend a unique charm to their dishes, which I truly appreciate using.