WHAT TO SEE

In the fall of 1947, five young friends founded Shussai Kiln (called Shussai Gama by locals) on the principles of the Mingei Folk Craft/Art movement that began in 1926 and gained momentum and popularity after the Second World War. Principles of the movement focus on the anonymous craftsperson creating items quickly and in quantity making them both accessible and widely used by average people. Instead of fine art made for a few by a few, items considered to be mingei are made by many for many. They are made by hand in a supportive community. Shussai Gama was advised by the founders of this movement and overcame growing pains to become a successful kiln whose wares are now found in restaurants across Izumo.

If you visit the kiln (make sure to double-check that they are open before you go) you may have the opportunity to see some of their 16 potters working on pieces. Each person is in charge of a specific type of item from start to finish, so you might see them shaping on a pottery wheel, glazing a fired piece, or anything in between.

Three to four times a year, they light the furnace of their “nobori-gama” or “climbing kiln.” This special style of kiln is now rare in Japan and places successive chambers in a stair formation so that the rising heat can travel through large numbers of items. It is an extremely labor-intensive process. Even if it isn’t currently lit, take advantage of the opportunity to see the climbing kiln

The shop is located in a remodeled rice storehouse from the Meiji period and provides an appropriate atmosphere for selecting the perfect pieces for yourself. They are most famous for their blue-colored items, called “shuusai blue,” but there are many others colors and styles to choose from.

The second floor has a rotating array of local items, often including local weaving and indigo-dyed items.

Round off your visit by filling your belly with the delicious food, desserts, and beverages at the café next door. Of course, everything is served on Shuusai pottery!