Kaneko Kohyo was founded in 1921 by Kohyo Ito in Toki, Gifu Prefecture, one of Japan's major ceramic production areas. The kiln initially made religious vessels and sake ware before developing tableware for changing lifestyles. Now led by fourth-generation president Yuki Ito, the family business continues to explore how Mino ware can remain relevant to the way people live and eat today.

That approach is reflected in the kiln's changing designs and glaze development. Its GIYAMAN series, introduced in 2008, takes its name from an old Japanese word associated with glass. The chrysanthemum relief and translucent, glass-like glaze create variations in colour depth as light moves across the surface. It is a distinctive example of how Kaneko Kohyo combines established ceramic production skills with a contemporary approach to tableware.

At iromizu, we were drawn to Kaneko Kohyo for the way its ceramics combine familiar, functional forms with distinctive surface treatments. The depth of the GIYAMAN glaze gives an everyday object a visual character that remains interesting with repeated use.