Kutani Bitouen

Kutani Bitouen began in 1914 (Taisho 3). Setting up a kiln in Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture — known as a Kutani ware production area — the kiln has progressed as one that handles even painting under one integrated system. In the early Showa era, the company organized as Kutani Bitouen Co., Ltd., and through vessel making for inns, restaurants, and department stores, it has communicated the appeal of Kutani ware nationwide.

The current brand "Eisei's Vessels" — while building on the colorful tradition of Kutani ware — develops vessels in three directions: "Eisei Modern," "Rosanjin-utsushi," and "Ko-Kutani-utsushi." Particular about the balance of playful patterns and negative space — with grasses and flowers, animals, and abstract patterns drawn in expansive brushwork — the vessels are crafted in forms and sizes easy to coordinate on the table.

In the showroom surrounded by a garden, about 300 types of vessels are gathered — rice bowls, teacups, mugs, plates, bowls, sake ware, and vases. Of course visitors to Yamashiro Onsen, but also locals and professional chefs — it is loved as a place to choose vessels while picking them up and confirming texture and color.

At the workshop, processes unique to Kutani ware are preserved — from wheel-forming to bisque firing, glaze firing, and hand-painted decoration. Through the online shop, blog, and exhibitions in various places, the kiln also shares seasonal recommended vessels and usage ideas — aiming to expand Kutani ware from "vessels to display" to "vessels to use and enjoy every day."

A showroom surrounded by garden in Yamashiro Onsen

Kutani Bitouen has a workshop and showroom in a quiet residential area of Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga City. In the showroom surrounded by a garden, about 300 types of workshop-original vessels and traditional-pattern vessels are displayed — letting you slowly enjoy stopping by during sightseeing and choosing vessels.

Three pillars: "Eisei Modern" and classical designs

At Kutani Bitouen, vessels are made around three pillars — "Eisei Modern" matched to modern life, and classical designs such as Rosanjin-utsushi and Ko-Kutani-utsushi. While leveraging the vivid colors and beauty of negative space characteristic of Kutani ware, the kiln works on vessels easy to match with any cuisine — Japanese, Western, or Chinese.

Founded in 1914, bringing Kutani ware into daily life

Since its founding in 1914 (Taisho 3), as a hand-painted Kutani ware kiln, the kiln has manufactured and sold a wide range of vessels — rice bowls, teacups, bowls, plates, and vases. While meeting demand for high-end commemorative items, wedding favors, and Buddhist memorial gifts, the kiln also continues proposals to enjoy Kutani ware on daily dining tables through the online shop and various exhibitions.

Online shop with direct delivery from the workshop

On the official online shop, centered on the showroom lineup, vessels are introduced by price range and category. Both distant customers and commercial customers needing bulk quantities can order Kutani ware vessels directly from the workshop.