Arita Ware – The Joyful Spirit of Kouraku Kiln

When we first introduced the Arita Ware Penguin and Kingfisher Soy Sauce Dispensers to Seifuu Creations, we were captivated by their charm. These delightful pieces are more than just tableware – they embody playfulness, craftsmanship, and a touch of everyday joy.

In fact, the Soy Sauce Dispenser Series has been one of Kouraku Kiln’s most iconic creations since around 1980. Kouraku Kiln – a ceramics manufacturer that has operated continuously since its founding in 1865, never once letting its kiln fire go out – first developed the dispensers to solve a simple but frustrating problem. At the time, most soy sauce dispensers required a tray to catch the final drip, as surface tension caused soy sauce to fall down the spout. Through repeated trial and error, Kouraku Kiln’s artisans finally perfected the world’s first “no-drip” soy sauce dispenser. The design became so beloved that the latest Arita travel guide Kotorippu even featured the original Kingfisher pattern on its cover.

What began for us as two small yet heartwarming products has since grown into a deeper appreciation for the story behind them: the story of Kouraku Kiln.

A 160-Year Heritage in Arita

Nestled in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture, Kouraku Kiln – also known as Tokunaga Ceramics – was founded in 1865 by the first kiln master, Tokunaga Kosuke. For more than 160 years, the kiln has continued to create ceramics that embody happiness, prosperity, and warmth at the dining table.

Today, the fifth-generation successor, Tokunaga Tatsunobu, carries forward this legacy. Under his leadership, Kouraku Kiln remains faithful to its founding philosophy:

“To bring happiness to families and add joy to the dining table.”

Designs that Carry Auspicious Meanings

Many of Kouraku Kiln’s works draw inspiration from traditional Japanese symbols of good fortune. Cranes, turtles, plum blossoms, and sea bream (tai) often appear in their tableware, serving not only as vessels for food but also as carriers of joy and auspicious wishes.

At the same time, the kiln has captured hearts around the world with its animal-shaped creations. From the Penguin Soy Sauce Dispenser to the Kingfisher Soy Sauce Dispenser, and even pieces inspired by the twelve zodiac animals, these whimsical works have become iconic representations of contemporary Arita ware. They are practical, adorable, and a playful way to brighten everyday dining.

Innovation Beyond Tradition

While deeply rooted in tradition, Kouraku Kiln has never stopped innovating. Their collections often blend Western influences with Japanese craftsmanship. For example:

• Versailles Series: Inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France, this line exudes grandeur and elegance. Each piece requires up to six firings in the kiln before completion, reflecting the kiln’s meticulous craftsmanship.

• Landscape Painting Series: Classic Japanese landscapes and motifs are reinterpreted with a modern sensibility, balancing artistry and practicality in tableware that feels both timeless and contemporary.

The Treasure Hunt Experience

One of Kouraku Kiln’s most beloved activities is the “Treasure Hunt” in their warehouse. Visitors are invited to tour the factory, learning about the process behind Arita ceramics. Then, armed with a basket, gloves, and a flashlight, they explore the warehouse to discover unique pieces – from trial products that never reached the market to rare works that can no longer be reproduced.

This hands-on experience perfectly embodies the kiln’s openness and playful spirit, allowing visitors to connect personally with Arita ware and the artisans who create it.

A Kiln that Brings Happiness

With more than a century and a half of history, Kouraku Kiln has built a legacy of weaving together traditional auspicious motifs and modern aesthetics. Every piece is infused with a wish for happiness and joy, bringing not only artistry but also warmth to everyday life.

For us at Seifuu Creations, discovering Kouraku Kiln’s world has been a journey from a single Penguin and Kingfisher dispenser to an appreciation of their philosophy and craftsmanship. We are excited to continue sharing their creations in Australia, letting more homes experience the joy and storytelling that lives within each piece.

✨ Explore our collection of Kouraku Kiln’s Arita ware here: