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Hidden Gem

Gyokudo Kiln (無名異焼 玉堂窯元)

Sado City, Sado Island, Niigata · Japan

Sado Mumyoi-yaki red-clay pottery (teaware, cups)

What you’ll find

What Gyokudo Kiln (無名異焼 玉堂窯元) is known for

This Sado Island kiln fires Mumyoi ware from iron-oxide-rich mumyoi clay drawn from the island's gold and silver mines, producing dense red-brown pieces that ring with a metallic note and gain lustre with use. Mumyoi-yaki was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 2003.