Kumagai Kokushuu Tea Set

The Kumagai company was founded in 1935 and specializes in producing traditional Kyoto pottery (Kyoyaki-Kiyomizuyaki), a type of earthenware popular in Kyoto and Japan. Pottery in Kyoto dates back to the late 5th century, although the Kyo Yaki style flourished more in the 16th century when the area was the center of trade and politics.

The popularity of the tea ceremony created a large demand for earthenware tea sets, and as Kyoto was then the capital of Japan, artisans from all over the country were in the city and were more than eager to apply their skills. Because of this, the development of the Kyo Yaki style borrowed forms and techniques from all over Japan.