Forming a shape on a potter's wheel, Kyoto Ware

Kyoto ware (Kyo-yaki) refers broadly to pottery made in Kyoto. In the past, when Kyoto was the capital of the country, the highest quality in all cultural products was sought. Kyoto ware was one such product. In response to demand, it continues today to change and respond in terms of design and variety.

In Kyoto ware, a potter's wheel is generally used in forming the shape. In this method of producing the desired object from a lump of clay, it is not only the sensitive fingertips that are important but also the most subtle of sounds. After drying the object for a half day or a day, trimming is done to the foot and elsewhere to produced the desired shape. To do this, some craftsmen use tools of their making.