About Ryumonji Pottery Cooperative Sourcing the ingredients for their ceramics in their immediate area, and firing them in a wood fired hillside kiln, Ryumonji-ware is connected to Kagoshimas land, and to the history of its ceramics. With history dating to the early Edo era, Ryumonji-ware is one of the lineages in so calledblackKagoshima ceramics. In contrast to thewhitework that was characterised by its finery, and provided to the rulers of the domain, the ceramics made at the Ryumonji kilns were for use in everyday life. It developed a rustic beauty, and a quality that began to be truly appreciated in the 20th century. Despite this, ceramics in the region was under threat, but ultimately preserved by the creation of the pottery cooperative. Ryumonji-ware is known for the excellent quality of white base decoration clay, and for pattern work such as green and caramel brown trailing, or blues onto blacks. The potters make Kagoshima classics such as thechokavessels used