Brand Stories: Kaneko Kohyo

If you’ve been following along our brand stories, you probably notice that all of the brands we showcase have rich histories. We’re both fascinated and intrigued by how a brand starts and evolves throughout years, and even decades. Kohyo Rinka is no exception. 

Ito Kohyo founded Kaneko Kohyo ceramics in 1921, producing mostly Buddhist effigies, like for shrines and family altars, from his kilns located near Toki City, Gifu Prefecture in Japan. After the war, Kohyo’s son, Terumi took over the family business and expanded the product lines as the economy did. His observation of sake pouring bottles in pubs, bars, and restaurants led his business to become the world’s top producer of tokkuri. 

In the early 70’s, tokkuri serving bottles reached its peak of production in Japan. Kohyo began and retained many partnerships with bars, restaurants, and brands to produce promotional tokkuri bottles. As their skills and technology improved along with demand for their products, their name became synonymous with quality tokkuri. 

But in the early 20th century, things took a turn for Kohyo. Japanese consumer’s started to drink less, impacting orders for tokkuris. So around 1995, Kohyo decided to begin production for tableware and kitchenware. Today, the brand continues to apply their expertise in ceramics technology and production in creating beautiful items meant for the home. 

We're proud to feature The Rinka range, which offers the delicacy of porcelain, but with the feel and warmth of hand-formed clay. Designed for the diversity of cuisine in mind, our Rink plates in pink, white, and in sizes: 3.25", 6", 10.5", and more are perfect to use for a quick meal, or to serve anything you please. The Rinka range is dishwasher and microwave warming safe.

The Giyaman range hosts beautiful bowls and plates that combine both the lustrous characteristics of lacquer and the glowing radiance of glass ("giyaman" refers to "glassware" in Japanese). Whether it's our footed bowl or plate, you will be able to catch the tableware's resonant coloring and traditional Japanese chrysanthemum design under the light. You'll catch yourself staring.