Established in 1688 by Korean potters in Kagoshima, Japan, the Ryumonji kiln today has operated as a pottery union since 1948. The kiln is currently led by certified Master Craftsman, Shiro Kawahara, working alongside his son Ryohei and other relatives.
One of three remaining schools of Satsuma-yaki, Ryumonji-yaki specialises in functional, robust Black Satsuma wares, made from local, dark volcanic clay. These pieces are then finished with their signature glazes, including Dakatsu ("snake"), Samehada ("shark skin"), and Sansai ("three colours") – the latter of which is officially recognised as an Intangible Cultural Property of Kagoshima Prefecture. All glazes are made using raw materials, such as stones, pumice, mud and rice husks, sourced within a 3km radius of the kiln.