Two handcrafted Japanese ceramic mugs on a gray surface with a dark background. Tsukushi

Ohmi Ceramics

Q: Can I use Ohmi Ceramics pieces in the microwave or dishwasher?

Yes. Ohmi Japanese pottery is safe for both microwave and dishwasher use. However, we recommend placing pieces with care, avoid stacking or allowing them to knock against one another, as ceramic can chip under pressure. For best results, always refer to the care guide provided with each item, as some pieces may require extra attention depending on shape or finish.

The Kusatsu Ware Collection: contemporary studio pottery defined by a striking black matte finish.

Handcrafted two black Japanese ceramic tea mugs on a beige gradation background, Tsukushi

Kurogazumi | Ceramic Coffee Mug Set

¥13,200

Sold out

Two set of handcrafted black Japanese potteries espresso cup and saucer on gray background, Tsukush

Kokuei | Espresso Cup Set

¥15,840

Handcrafted black Japanese ceramic bowl on a gradient background, Tsukushi

Fubachi | Cereal Bowl

¥5,940

Black Japanese pottery chawanmusi bowl with matching saucer against a dark background. Tsukushi

Kokutama | Chawanmushi Bowl

¥9,240

Front view of a black ceramic flower frog against a dark, faded background. Tsukushi

Hanamori | Ikebana Vase

¥13,200

More about Ohmi Ceramics

The Story of Ohmi Ceramics

Founded in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, in 1985, Ohmi Ceramics was established by Yoshinori Yamamoto to restore Kusatsu-yaki, a regional pottery tradition that had nearly disappeared.
Today, he works alongside his son Kazuma, carrying the workshop into its second generation.

Their collection brings this local ceramic heritage into contemporary daily life. Flower frogs, bowls, cups and serving vessels are shaped with restrained forms and a strong sense of function. Rather than reproducing objects from the past, the Yamamotos create pieces designed to be used, handled and lived with.

Each work connects the history of Kusatsu ware with the needs of the modern table, preserving a regional craft through objects that remain practical, tactile and quietly distinctive.

The Roots

The Story of Ohmi Ceramics

The Craft

Clay, Mud and Slow Fire

The distinctive black surface of Ohmi Ceramics is created through material and controlled firing rather than a conventional glaze. Before entering the kiln, each vessel is coated with mineral-rich mud gathered near Lake Biwa.
At approximately 1,100°C, the surface melts and transforms, producing subtle variations in tone, texture and sheen.

Because clay, coating and fire respond differently each time, no two pieces are exactly alike. Gentle asymmetry, firing marks and small changes in the finish are preserved as part of the character of handmade Kusatsu ware.

From chawanmushi bowls and espresso cups to Japanese tea ware and ikebana vases, every form balances tactile depth with practical use.
The result is pottery shaped not only by the maker’s hand, but also by the natural behavior of local materials in the kiln.

The Artisans Behind Ohmi Ceramics

Black and white portrait of Yoshinobu Yamamoto who Japanese pottery artist. Tsukushi

Yoshinori Yamamoto

For more than four decades, Yoshinori Yamamoto has worked to preserve the ceramic heritage of Kusatsu, Shiga.
He established Ohmi Ceramics in 1985, later receiving its official name in 1997, and began shaping local clay through methods influenced by ancient Sue ware and nearby Shigaraki traditions.

A licensed master potter, Yoshinori is known for an understated approach that lets the material speak for itself.
His vessels are fired slowly without conventional glaze, producing the characteristic matte-black surface associated with Kusatsu ware.

Today, he shares the workshop with his son Kazuma, ensuring this distinctive local craft continues into the next generation.

Kazuma Yamamoto

At the Ohmi Ceramics Research Institute in Kusatsu, Kazuma Yamamoto carries forward the work begun by his father, Yoshinori. Together, they have helped restore Kusatsu-yaki, a regional ceramic tradition that had almost vanished from the area.

Inspired by the techniques and earthy character of ancient Sue ware, Kazuma creates pottery with deep black tones and richly textured surfaces. Instead of applying a standard glaze, he coats the clay with mineral-rich mud collected near Lake Biwa.
This material melts at approximately 1,100°C, allowing the pieces to develop their distinctive finish at a lower temperature than conventional stoneware.

Through careful firing and continual experimentation, Kazuma is preserving and developing a craft rooted in the landscape of Shiga.

A map of Japan highlighting Shiga prefecture with Kusatsu marked on a white background. Tsukushi

Between Lake Biwa and Shigaraki

Ohmi Ceramics is based in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, a city set near Lake Biwa and close to the historic pottery region of Shigaraki.
Here, Yoshinori and Kazuma Yamamoto work within a landscape where clay and fire have shaped ceramic traditions for more than a thousand years.

This setting is central to their work. Local materials, the legacy of ancient Sue ware and the influence of nearby Shigaraki guide every piece, connecting contemporary Kusatsu-yaki to the history and natural character of the region.

P. Onnis of Tsukushi and K. Yamamoto of Ohmi Ceramics at Ohmi Togei kiln in Kusatsu, Shiga.

A note from Tsukushi

How we work with Ohmi Ceramics

We visit the kiln in person.
There are no intermediaries, no agents — every piece is chosen directly from the hands that made it.

In Japan, an artisan places their name and their work in someone else's care.
We take that responsibility seriously.

"A small artisan working in a family kiln produces pieces of extraordinary quality but in limited quantities. We do not see this as a constraint — we see it as a strength."
— Tsukushi

Japanese handcrafted black ceramic Chawanmushi bowl beige background, Tsukushi

The Shape of Patience

Refined by hand and fire, this Japanese ceramics collection finds its voice in every form: a ceramic coffee cup, a black ceramic bowl, or unique handmade Chawanmushi Bowl.

Working on a pottery wheel, shaping a Japanese ceramic bowl, Tsukushi

Side view of handcrafted black Japanese ceramic bowl on a dark gradation background, Tsukushi

Black and white image of Stacked Japanese ceramics in a kiln, Tsukushi

Japanese handcrafted black ceramic Chawanmushi bowl zoom black background, Tsukushi

Top view of a Ikebana vase with ceramic flower frog and matching bowl. Tsukushi.

Great quality , perfect shipment. Custom sourced for our needs

We asked the Tsukushi team for a custom sourcing service for a knife, and they helped us find exactly what we wanted.The knife arrived really quickly and was perfectly protected for the travel from Japan to Italy. The quality is great, and the details are insane. Really recommended!

Dear Matilde,
Thank you for your kind review!
We are thrilled to hear that you are satisfied with the quality and shipment of your knife. We are happy to have been able to custom source it to meet your needs. Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Thank you for recommending us!

Have a great day.
The Tsukushi team

Great custom source service!

Imballaggio perfetto oltre alle aspettative, servizio eccezionale, prodotto top fuori categoria

Dear Giovanni,

Thanks for your review! It was a pleasure to assist you with sourcing your knife. Regarding the packaging, yes, we go the extra mile to ensure our clients receive their products in the best condition possible.
Wish you a great day.

The Tsukushi Team

Delightful Experience *

TSUKUSHI

Delightful experience with clear perspective with ordering products online. Website is clean and accurate. Quality of packaging was fabulous. Shipping was direct with communication of delivery on time.

Thank you.

Respectfully,
Nicole D. Apperley

Dear Ms. D. Apperley,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Tsukushi.
We are glad to hear that our website was user-friendly and that you were satisfied with the quality of packaging and timely delivery.
Your kind words mean a lot to us.

We appreciate your support and hope to continue providing you with authentic Japanese crafts and services in the future.
Thank you again for choosing our shop.

Sincerely,
The Tsukushi team

Very pretty cups and very well crafted

Just love the pattern, colour and shape. Very well crafted!

Dear Gabriele,
thank you so much for leaving your lovely review!
We're happy to hear that you love the pattern, color, and shape of our cups. We take great pride in selecting each and every one of our products with care.
Thanks again for your support!

The Tsukushi team

Consiglio

Consiglio

Dear Ms. Blanchaert,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for our store. We are glad to read that you had a smooth experience with us. Thank you for the recommendation.
We wish you a great day, the Tsukushi team.

Customer service was exemplary!

Customer service was on another level and exemplary! Great company to support as they are thorough and friendly.

Dear Nadia!
Thank you for your kind words! We strive to provide exemplary customer service and we are glad to hear that it was on another level for you. Your support means a lot to us. Have a great day!

the Tsukushi team

Good service and fast shipping!

Respons time is fast just like the shipping to Europe and the service is also great 😃

Thank you for your kind words Don!
We're glad to hear that you had a great experience with our service and shipping to Europe.
We strive to provide fast response times and a premium service for all of our customers.

Best Regards
Tsukushi

Great shop for distinctive gifts

A great online shop to purchase interesting and thoughtful Japanese inspired gifts.

I will purchase from them again

Dear Luke,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed shopping at our online store for unique Japanese-inspired gifts.
We can't wait to have you as our valued customer again.
Have a lovely day!

Best regards
Tsukushi

Great experience

Great experience, easy to use and quick acknowledgement and delivery.

Dear Narelle

Thank you! We’re happy to see your review.
Being a small family company, this kind of feedback means a lot to us!

Great articraft

I loved every single piece, and especially my hunt was super excited with the collection. Know what to buy for next Christmas, and the packaging is super too.

Thanks Alessio, we hope your aunt will find something she likes.
Don't hesitate to contact us if any support is needed!

Beautiful Shigaraki ware and excellent service!

My experience with Tsukushi is very positive with quality over quantity service!

They also have fair prices prices imo so it's a good choice choosing them as a Shigaraki ware dealer.

Really listening to and thinking with you in wishes and solutions and keep their word so you as a customer can count on them.

Dear D.,
Thank you for your kind review. We are very happy to read your words of appreciation. Being able to go beyond the standard online catalog offer and help you find the product you were searching for by sourcing it locally was a true pleasure. It is always wonderful to meet people like you, passionate and willing to explore new cultures and crafts.

Impeccabile

Prodotti artigianali di ottima fattura. Una particolare cura all'estetica oltre che alla funzionalità, che non guasta. Il prodotto è giunto in Italia senza problemi e in tempi ragionevoli considerata la distanza. Consigliato a chi ama investire in prodotti di buona qualità.

Dear Matteo

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review for our website and product!
We are thrilled to hear that you appreciate the quality and attention to detail in our artisanal products. We take great pride in ensuring both aesthetics and functionality in our products.

We are also glad to know that your order was delivered to Italy without any issues and in a reasonable amount of time. Your recommendation to invest in quality products means a lot to us.

Thank you again for your support and for choosing our product. We hope to continue exceeding your expectations in the future.

Best regards,
The TSUKUSHI team.

Great website!

Love their japanese tableware, refined and authentic. Impeccable customer service.

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave a review!
We are very happy to hear that you are enjoying our selection of Japanese tableware. Our team works hard to provide authentic and refined products, and we are glad to know that you appreciate it.
We are also happy to hear that our customer service was able to meet your expectations. We truly value your support and look forward to serving you again in the future.

Learn more about Ohmi Ceramics

Japanese pottery FAQs

Can I use Ohmi Ceramics pieces in the microwave or dishwasher?

Yes.
Ohmi Japanese pottery is safe for both microwave and dishwasher use. However, we recommend placing pieces with care, avoid stacking or allowing them to knock against one another, as ceramic can chip under pressure.

For best results, always refer to the care guide provided with each item, as some pieces may require extra attention depending on shape or finish.

Can I use Ohmi Ceramics every day?

Absolutely.
Japanese pottery is made for everyday use.
Whether it’s your morning pottery coffee mug or a sushi plate shared over dinner, Ohmi Ceramics is designed to bring quiet presence to your routine.

With gentle care and mindful storage, these pieces will serve you beautifully for years.

Would Ohmi Ceramics creations make a meaningful gift?

Absolutely. Ohmi Ceramics pieces make thoughtful, lasting gifts for birthdays, weddings, or quiet celebrations.
From Japanese ceramic teacups to hand-shaped vases, each item carries presence and care.
Their sculptural flower frogs, made for dried flowers or incense, offer a poetic alternative to the traditional kenzan. These Japanese pottery gifts speak softly and stay with you.

What makes Ohmi Ceramics different from other Japanese pottery?

Ohmi Ceramics is defined by quiet refinement and uncompromised quality. Handcrafted in Kusatsu by the Yamamoto family, each piece is shaped with local clay and traditional techniques.
Its signature black pottery, rough yet elegant, blends minimalism with heritage. These are not ordinary tableware pieces, but daily companions that offer texture, balance, and quiet presence.

How do I choose the right Japanese Pottery for my home?

Think about your daily habits and the mood you want to create.
A sushi plate can serve cheeses or appetizers, while a Japanese ceramic bowl suits cereal, salads, or fruit.
Coffee mugs work for tea, and espresso cups can hold matcha or desserts. Even a flower frog adds versatility as an incense holder or decor.
With Japanese pottery, beauty and practicality meet.

Is it okay to mix these Japanese pottery with my regular Western tableware?

Absolutely. Japanese pottery pairs beautifully with modern or rustic Western pieces, creating a table that feels unique and intentional.
A hand-thrown chawanmushi cup beside matte flatware, or a sushi plate filled with cheeses, adds contrast and richness.
Whether your style is minimal or eclectic, mixing Japanese tableware brings harmony through contrast and makes the table your own.

Can you use Japanese tableware for more than just eating?

Yes. These handcrafted pieces are wonderfully versatile.
A ceramic coffee mug can double as a vase for herbs or flowers, while a shallow Japanese teacup or bowl makes a perfect spot for jewelry or small keepsakes.
Even a sushi plate can serve as a base for candles or a minimalist display.
With Japanese pottery, function and beauty naturally come together.

Ohmi Ceramics

More about Ohmi Ceramics

The Story of Ohmi Ceramics

Clay, Mud and Slow Fire

The Story of Ohmi Ceramics

Clay, Mud and Slow Fire

The Artisans Behind Ohmi Ceramics

Yoshinori Yamamoto

Kazuma Yamamoto

The Shape of Patience

Learn more about Ohmi Ceramics

Japanese pottery FAQs

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