I worked in the spring of 2008 with Japanese ceramic artist Taihei Sugiyama. The studio is located in the town of Sasayama, part of the Tamba ceramics area, one of the 7 ancient kiln sites of Japan. While the area has a rich history of ceramics the market for traditional wares has significantly declined in recent years. Mr. Sugiyama's studio, like many others has had to find a niche market to sell their wares. Fired in mass in an electric kiln the pots are simple pieces for wedding gifts and parties.