is a type of Japanese pottery, stoneware, and ceramics produced in and around the municipality of Tokoname, Aichi, in central Japan. Tokoname was the location of one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan.
Pottery made in Tokoname dates back to the 12th century. During the Heian period, what is now called Tokoname ware was already part of daily life. A kiln known as the Takasaka kiln was built in the 14th century. Towards the end of the Edo period in the late 19th century, Koie Hokyu completed a chambered "climbing kiln" (nobori-gama). The excellent reputation of modern Tokoname ware was established by his son Koie Hoju. He laid the foundations for earthenware pipe making and introduced the redware for which the town became renowned. A statue was later put up in his honour in the town.
The construction of the Meitetsu Tokoname Line in the Meiji era encouraged production and provided transportation for the increasing tile production during the Taishà  era.
The traditions behind Tokoname ware have been kept alive by generations of potters. In 1998, third-generation potter Yamada Jà Âzan III (ä¸Â代山ç°常山 1924âÂÂ2006) was named a Living National Treasure, after being recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Asset for making small pouring vessels. His son Yamada Jà Âzan IV (b. 1954) assumed his father's title after his death. Another noted potter from the Shà Âwa era was Ezaki Issei (æ±Âå´Âä¸Âç 1918âÂÂ1992). His students were Takeuchi Kimiaki (竹å 堬æ 1948âÂÂ2011) and Osako Mikio (大迫ã¿ãÂÂã 1940âÂÂ1995). In January 2007, Tokoname was officially protected as a local brand.
Products that Tokoname is renowned for today are wind chimes, redware tea pots, shochu servers, tea incense burners. Industrial production also covered roof tiles, toilet seats and water pipelines. Antique bonsai pots are collector items and are still produced today. The manufacturer INAX operates a number of museums in Tokoname that showcase the history of industrial production.
Tokoname ware can be found through the Tokoname Pottery Association Cooperative Union, the Tokoname Pottery Wholesale Association and the Tokoname ware wholesale centre Ceramall.
About 60 climbing kilns formerly operated in Tokoname. The Tà Âei Kiln (é¶æ Â窯) is a climbing kiln (nobori-gama) that was constructed in Meiji 20 (1887) and used until Shà Âwa 49 (1974). It is the largest climbing kiln existing in Japan. It was designated as an Important Tangible Cultural Property by the government in Shà Âwa 57 (1982). It has eight firing chambers running a 17ð incline and ten chimneys of varying height.