Genshosha and Shokeizan-yaki

The smoke rising from the climbing kiln of Shokeizan Pottery has disappeared high into the sky. Therefore, when the works of the late Umeo Yamamoto are gone, nothing will remain.

In his life as a craftsman, Umeo said, "I want to make something that people will be happy to use, rather than something that will become famous for what we have produced.

we remember the indescribable feeling we had when we first spoke with the potter's wife about Mr. Umeo and his craftsmanship.

Their lives were never prosperous.
Now if they sold all of his work it would be gone. But nothing would come of just keeping a complement.

Genshosha began photographing and documenting each of Umeo's works, which were displayed in a house near the mountains.

While looking at the works of art with his wife and son, we ask them when they were created, what Mr. Umeo was like at the time, and what he was thinking when he completed the work, as if tracing their memories.

In between, funny memories and stories are shared and we laugh, and to take a break, we are served tea in Umeo's matcha bowl.

Genshosha is selling some of Umeo's remaining works.

The proceeds go to the potter and are used for operating expenses, and the remainder is kept for "succession".

Will the name of Umeo Yamamoto be preserved, or will his will, thoughts, and kiln be carried on?

It will be a long road ahead, but we have decided to start with this connection in order to make even the smallest step forward.

We look forward to your continued support for Genshosha and the Shokeizan Kiln.