Striving for our unique, irreproducible color expression

A workshop overrun with UNKAI test pieces.
Sinkougama, a pottery manufacturer, is in charge of the UNKAI glazing and glaze firing process. After a year of trial and error, the company developed a piece it could be proud of.
Sinkougama takes the time necessary to create an irreproducible product. Its fifth-generation owner Kazuaki Tanaka rejects rapid, easily copied production methods, devoting himself instead to improving the craftsmanship of his factory.

UNKAI test pieces. Color combination, the way the glaze runs, temperature and duration of firing were all experimented with in the trial process.

Sinkougama is the only factory that can make UNKAI pieces because its mastery of glazes is unique. Ever since fourth-generation owner Shinichi Tanaka decided to specialize in nezushimo glaze, a traditional, high-quality Mino-ware glaze renowned for its beauty, Sinkougama has prided itself on its considerable expertise. The company has even created several original glazes, something that requires a great deal of technical knowledge and skill.

Applying the base glaze by dipping.

Applying the second glaze to the rim.

The glazing process is complete. Glazing each piece by hand makes it so that the "sea of clouds" effect is unique from one piece to the next.

Glaze firing at Sinkougama is unique in that, while many pottery manufacturers have shortened firing time in order to increase productivity, Sinkougama fires these pieces for 22 hours. That's more than double the standard firing time. The company also uses a cooling period of 24 hours for the pieces, three times longer than standard practice.
By taking time and care, Sinkougama is able to create a more expressive glaze, increasing its brilliance and color range all while strengthening the piece as a whole. This is how Sinkougama proudly lives up to its name, manufacturing very unique pottery.

Sinkougama was founded in 1895. The workshop to this day has more or less maintained its original layout.

During the UNKAI trial process, Sinkougama tested the ideal positions of the pieces within the kiln for the most expressive "sea of clouds" effect on the porcelain. It turned out that only a limited area within the kiln produced the desired outcome. Other pottery companies would simply refuse to limit the usable space in the kiln, which is what makes manufacturing UNKAI so luxurious. UNKAI is a unique piece that only Sinkougama can create. The "Unkai collection" is produced by LIVING TALK thanks to three collaborators: design by Kaichiro YAMADA; clay preparation, molding, and bisque firing by Maruasa Porcelain Factory; and glazing and glaze firing by Sinkougama.
With its precious shape and color as if an artist had handcrafted each piece, and with strength that can withstand intense daily use over a long period of time, UNKAI is a unique collection produced exclusively by LIVING TALK.
The liquid motif created by the melted glaze on UNKAI pieces evokes a sea of clouds as seen from above, with the viewer looking down from atop a mountain. Enjoy this dreamy cloudscape floating above your table, taking you to a world of marvels.

Click on the Maruasa tab to learn about the first step of the UNKAI process.

The liquid motifs created by the melted enamel evoke a sea of clouds (Unkai) appearing at daybreak and nightfall in the mountains.
The full, round shapes fit naturally to the hollow of your hand. The height of the stems creates the illusion of a sea of clouds floating above your table, taking you to a world of marvels.

UNKAI