Enkoji Kiln is located in the mountains, about a 25km drive east from Tottori Airport, close to the Tottori Sand Dunes. Two generations of pottery makers, Yamashita Kiyoshi and his daughter Yamashita Hiroyo, have been making pottery here.

Kiyoshi built this kiln in 1979 because it "produces clay that can be used in a style similar to old folk art." Since then, he has been creating works using the clay of this area for nearly 40 years.



Kiyoshi's pottery is attractive for its dignified appearance and colors that blend seamlessly into everyday life, such as white glaze, lapis lazuli, and amber. "The clay here at Enkoji is by no means top-notch," says Kiyoshi. "But even with second- or third-rate clay, we can create first-rate pieces. That's the spirit that has kept this kiln running."

The Mingei movement, which discovered beauty in things once considered "inexpensive" by ordinary people, was a movement that sought to create art. These words seem to encapsulate the idea that "beauty in everyday life" can be just as beautiful as or even more beautiful than works of art.

After studying pottery in Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, a place famous for its Yachimun pottery, his daughter Hiroyo has been making pottery at the Enkoji Kiln alongside her father, Kiyoshi, since 2004. Her works are made using the same clay and fired in the same kiln as Kiyoshi's, yet somehow they have a different appearance to his. My eye was drawn to the round "Shirokake Irosashi Tobikannazara" plate, which has a rustic texture yet exudes a warmth.



Looking around the kiln, motifs resembling ears of rice with their heads raised can often be seen in Kiyoshi's works. This motif originates from pottery from the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, the beauty of which captivated Kiyoshi. He created this pattern using a technique called mori-e, adding his own interpretation. "The things that I carefully work with the clay and let warm over time are what come together in my work," says Kiyoshi.



In the world of pottery, new expressions are born by accepting what is available in this land and taking the time to digest it in one's own way. The blessings of nature and the thoughts of the maker are imbued in this pottery.

As we were leaving, Mr. and Mrs. Yamashita and their son waved to us until we were out of sight. Perhaps memories of a trip are made up of a collection of moments like these.

【Kiln Information】
Address: 525-4 Enkouji, Iwami-cho, Iwami-gun, Tottori Prefecture
Telephone: 085-773-1219
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (please contact us if you wish to visit)