Raku Museum

The Raku Museum in Kyoto is devoted to the pottery made by 16 generations of the Raku family. Its collection brings together tea bowls and other ceramics, along with tea utensils and historical documents connected to the family. Compare how the bowls’ forms and character change across generations, and see how Raku ware relates to the aesthetics of the tea ceremony. Seasonal exhibitions bring different displays; allow less than 30 minutes for a focused visit.

A family tradition in pottery

The Raku Museum was established in 1978 by Kichizaemon Jikinyū, the 14th-generation head of the Raku family. It stands beside the family kiln, linking the collection to the place where the pottery tradition began. Raku ware has been made by the family for about 450 years, with each generation bringing its own character to the work.

The collection focuses chiefly on ceramics by successive family generations. Tea utensils and historical documents add context to the bowls and the family’s pottery practice.

Tea bowls and changing styles

Raku pottery is closely associated with the Japanese tea ceremony. Its hand-formed bowls are not made on a potter’s wheel, and their simple forms connect with the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Looking across works from different generations gives you a chance to notice how the tradition changes over time while remaining tied to tea.

The museum also presents the distinctions between Japanese Raku ware and Western raku pottery methods. Displays change seasonally, so the works on view can vary. Photography and video are prohibited inside.