The History of...
IZAWA CERAMICS
陶芸伊澤 (Togei-Izawa)
With more than 40 years, Izawa Ceramics is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Japan's rich cultural heritage through authentic, handcrafted products of DOGU and HANIWA. Each item in our collection is meticulously created by skilled artisan - Takaomi Izawa - a professional historical restorer in Japan, ensuring the highest quality and craftsmanship. We take pride in offering a wide range of products that reflect the beauty and history of Japanese traditions.
Our mission is to connect people worldwide with the timeless artistry and cultural significance of Japan. We aim to connect the past to the future by our designed products. By choosing our products, you are not only acquiring a unique piece of art but also supporting the preservation of human history.
Ancient World Exhibition with Professor Yoshimura
On the Occasion of Meeting
Professor Sakuji Yoshimura, at Waseda University. We Announced our first solo exhibition at the Egyptian Archaeology Building. Takaomi Izawa has created a wide range of replicas, mainly of artifacts from the Jomon period, ancient Egypt, and the Mayan civilization.
Teaching as a Pottery teacher in Elementary School
Takaomi Izawa was once an elementary school art teacher teaching young students about pottery and ceramics. We was willing to help students to create their own piece of art that becomes a treasure that they have created in class. At the same time, he was putting effort in establishing his skills in recreating Dogu and Haniwa.
A Luxurious Present in the Japanese Market
After Tokyo Shogeikan has deal our products in their shop, now Dogu has been considered a high-end products for many users in Japan. Takaomi Izawa has been considering a packet of different types of Dogu for seven figures for a set. A lot of people in Japan has been interested in our artworks, insisting the importance of what we do.
SHAKOKI - Goggle-Eyed DOGU at Sakitama Kofun
Many of our artworks have been wholesaled to different museums in Japan. From large products to small products, different age groups prefer different artworks and sizes of them. Even in book stores, many people are getting to know Dogu and Haniwa.
Haniwa statued in the University of Hawaii
Takaomi Izawa's original piece of artwork of Haniwa is placed in the University of Hawaii. Professor Bayne, shows his happiness and gratitude towards the gratefulness of Japanese culture and long lasting heritage.
Solo Exhibitions
Takaomi Izawa has held many Solo Exhibitions in different kinds of places in Japan. He has placed his artworks at company exhibitions, where a lot of people came to see.
Burning in Kama - 窯
Our products have been established in a way the distinguished the color and solidness between Dogu and Haniwa. Dogu is colored black in a way that other ceramists cannot easily do.
Takaomi IZAWA - 伊澤孝臣
With big gratitude to Takaomi Izawa our Master, our aim is to shift this to the global citizens. We will engage in different ways to let people know more about this beautiful heritage.
About the Founder
"They carry the soul of our ancestors, telling stories of a time long past."
I became interested in Dogu and Haniwa craftsmanship and the beauty of ancient artwork when I saw that handmade dogu and haniwa was very popular amongst Japanese people.
I was originally raised in the U.K.'s not even understanding the basics of Japanese culture. I knew that my grandfather was creating Dogu and Haniwa artworks, but didn't know the significance of it. One day, working with my grandfather, I learn it was the relics of Japanese history, where these artifacts represent the passing down of historic practices from generation to generation: an experience that becomes less common by the decade. To me, merging the wisdom of sustainable craftsmanship with contemporary ideas leads to a solution: historical significance and beauty.
I worked at the atlier in Gunma, Japan and spoke to my master who has been working with dogu and haniwa for the past 40 years. With a discplined mindset, he said, "I still learn work every day to improve my skills, I like this work and it is my Ikigai - 生き甲斐". The idea of creating pieces that preserve and convey ancient stories, perhaps is something priceless for someone, and should be respected at any sence. Upon hearing this, I became committed to the celebration of this craft, honoring its contextual story, and promising my grandfather to let people know about the traditional sustainable wisdom within the Dogu and Haniwa realms.
My Dream is to let people know about Dogu and Haniwa with it's unknown beauty and the historical contexts of being the one of the oldest form of art.
I am very excited to share our ideas and context of Dogu and Haniwa frequently on our blog. My goal is to inspire many people around the world to think about the fusion of past and future and to learn about Japan's enduring artistry through dogu and haniwa.
Sincerely,
Motoki Amagai Founder and Assistant of Izawa Ceramics