Koji KAMADA
Koji KAMADA
Fascinated by the mysterious world of Tenmoku,
Captivating people with the worldview of KAMADA Tenmoku
What draws us at TOHGORO to the works of Koji KAMADA is their profound sense of quiet presence.
Rather than asserting themselves through boldness or spectacle, his vessels reveal their depth gradually—inviting the viewer to pause, to look again, and to discover layers of beauty that unfold over time. Within this stillness lies a mastery shaped by decades of dedication and a pursuit that can only be achieved through continuous making.
Koji KAMADA has devoted his life to the exploration of Tenmoku glaze, particularly the phenomenon known as YOHEN—a transformation that occurs beyond human control. Rich in iron, Tenmoku glaze responds sensitively to subtle variations in flame, temperature, and cooling, ensuring that no two results are ever the same. This inherent unpredictability is not a limitation, but the very foundation of KAMADA’s work.
His journey began with a powerful encounter with Tenmoku tea bowls from China’s Southern Song dynasty. Since then, for more than half a century, he has pursued an ever-deepening dialogue with clay, glaze, and fire. Through relentless experimentation and careful observation, he has established a distinctive expression often referred to as “KAMADA Tenmoku.”
The shimmering droplets of YOHEN Oil Spot Tenmoku and the deep, immersive blues of YOHEN SUISEI Tenmoku are at once accidental and inevitable—born from chance, yet guided by long years of refined knowledge.
“Even with the utmost calculation, the same result can never be repeated. That is what makes this work endlessly compelling,” KAMADA reflects.
Each piece carries within it the artist’s worldview and the quiet record of an ongoing search—one that has no final destination.
At TOHGORO, we are honored to share the work of Koji KAMADA and to introduce this timeless, evolving world of Tenmoku to audiences beyond Japan.
Rather than asserting themselves through boldness or spectacle, his vessels reveal their depth gradually—inviting the viewer to pause, to look again, and to discover layers of beauty that unfold over time. Within this stillness lies a mastery shaped by decades of dedication and a pursuit that can only be achieved through continuous making.
Koji KAMADA has devoted his life to the exploration of Tenmoku glaze, particularly the phenomenon known as YOHEN—a transformation that occurs beyond human control. Rich in iron, Tenmoku glaze responds sensitively to subtle variations in flame, temperature, and cooling, ensuring that no two results are ever the same. This inherent unpredictability is not a limitation, but the very foundation of KAMADA’s work.
His journey began with a powerful encounter with Tenmoku tea bowls from China’s Southern Song dynasty. Since then, for more than half a century, he has pursued an ever-deepening dialogue with clay, glaze, and fire. Through relentless experimentation and careful observation, he has established a distinctive expression often referred to as “KAMADA Tenmoku.”
The shimmering droplets of YOHEN Oil Spot Tenmoku and the deep, immersive blues of YOHEN SUISEI Tenmoku are at once accidental and inevitable—born from chance, yet guided by long years of refined knowledge.
“Even with the utmost calculation, the same result can never be repeated. That is what makes this work endlessly compelling,” KAMADA reflects.
Each piece carries within it the artist’s worldview and the quiet record of an ongoing search—one that has no final destination.
At TOHGORO, we are honored to share the work of Koji KAMADA and to introduce this timeless, evolving world of Tenmoku to audiences beyond Japan.
Artist History
1948
Born in Kyoto.
1968
Aspired to become a potter and received instruction from Kiyomizu ware artist Tadashi Shimizu at Gojozaka.
1971: Graduated from the Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Training School, specialized course.
While still a student, he deepened his knowledge of basic molding techniques and glaze research.
He joined the Gojozaka Kyodo Climbing Kiln "Kanechugama" and began to seriously study Tenmoku.
1970s
Heavily influenced by Tenmoku tea bowls from the Southern Song Dynasty in China, he became interested in researching Tenmoku glazes.
1975: First selected for the Japan Ceramics Exhibition. Since then, he has been selected and exhibited at various public exhibitions.
1976: Joined the Japan Crafts Association.
1987: Received the Kyoto Prefectural Board of Education Chairman's Award at the 16th Japan Crafts Association Kinki Branch Exhibition.
1988
Received training from Living National Treasure Shimizu Uichi, and was greatly influenced by his glaze expression and creative approach.
Since the 1990s: Established his own unique Tenmoku style, including Yohen Oil Drop Tenmoku and Yohen Suisei Tenmoku.
2003: Appointed as a judge for the 32nd Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition (continues to serve in this role).
He has exhibited his works for many years, mainly at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and the Japan Crafts Association Kinki Exhibition, and has held solo exhibitions both in Japan and overseas, including New York and Paris, earning him international acclaim.
Public Collections
The Museum of Kyoto (Japan)
Metropolitan Museum of Art (USA)
New Orleans Museum of Art (USA)
Philadelphia Museum of Art (USA)
Detroit Institute of Arts (USA)
Harn Museum of Art, University of Florida (USA)
University of Miami Lowe Art Museum (USA)
Allen Memorial Museum of Art, Oberlin College (USA), etc.
Koji Kamada
What draws us at TOHGORO to the works of Koji KAMADA is their profound sense of quiet presence.
Rather than asserting themselves through boldness or spectacle, his vessels reveal their depth gradually—inviting the viewer to pause, to look again, and to discover layers of beauty that unfold over time. Within this stillness lies a mastery shaped by decades of dedication and a pursuit that can only be achieved through continuous making.
Koji KAMADA has devoted his life to the exploration of Tenmoku glaze, particularly the phenomenon known as YOHEN—a transformation that occurs beyond human control. Rich in iron, Tenmoku glaze responds sensitively to subtle variations in flame, temperature, and cooling, ensuring that no two results are ever the same. This inherent unpredictability is not a limitation, but the very foundation of KAMADA’s work.
His journey began with a powerful encounter with Tenmoku tea bowls from China’s Southern Song dynasty. Since then, for more than half a century, he has pursued an ever-deepening dialogue with clay, glaze, and fire. Through relentless experimentation and careful observation, he has established a distinctive expression often referred to as “KAMADA Tenmoku.”
The shimmering droplets of YOHEN Oil Spot Tenmoku and the deep, immersive blues of YOHEN SUISEI Tenmoku are at once accidental and inevitable—born from chance, yet guided by long years of refined knowledge.
“Even with the utmost calculation, the same result can never be repeated. That is what makes this work endlessly compelling,” KAMADA reflects.
Each piece carries within it the artist’s worldview and the quiet record of an ongoing search—one that has no final destination.
At TOHGORO, we are honored to share the work of Koji KAMADA and to introduce this timeless, evolving world of Tenmoku to audiences beyond Japan.
green blue tenmoku
₩308,000
green blue tenmoku
₩308,000
green blue tenmoku
₩512,000
green blue tenmoku
₩410,000
green blue tenmoku
₩308,000
Ginsho Tenmokudai line flower vase
₩2,559,000
Ginsho Tenmokudai Line Decorative Pot
₩4,095,000
