Togakudo Salon

The origins of Miyajima Osunayaki date back to the Edo period (1603~). During this time, travelers from Aki Province (present-day western Hiroshima Prefecture) would take sand from the main hall of Itsukushima Shrine as a talisman (sand charm) to ensure safety on their journey. When they returned safely from their trip, there was a custom of "Osunagaeshi" (returning sand). They would add sand from their destination to the sand from the main hall and give it back twice as much. During the Tokugawa period, ritual vessels for Itsukushima Shrine's festivals were made from soil mixed with sand from the main hall, and since sacred sand was used, the pottery was also called "Osunayaki" or "Shinshayaki" (divine sand pottery). Yamane Taigendo's Osunayaki is made by having the sacred sand from the main hall of Itsukushima Shrine blessed and then kneading it into clay. Yamane Taigendo was founded in 1912 by the founder Yamane Koya at Miyajimaguchi, across from Itsukushima Shrine. Since then, the kiln has been designated as the "Official Kiln for Itsukushima Shrine" and a "Traditional Craft of Hiroshima Prefecture", attracting customers from within and outside the prefecture and even overseas. They create products with stories that are unique to Hiroshima, such as the "Momijimon" (Maple Leaf Crest), which is designed to evoke the atmosphere of Miyajima in Aki, by pasting each leaf of Hiroshima's prefectural tree, the "Momiji Mon" (Maple Leaf Crest). Yamane Taigendou's store, Gallery Yo, is located diagonally opposite the pottery studio Yamane Taigendou. Many Miyajima Osuna wares are on display and for sale, including everyday vessels, flower vases, and tea ceremony utensils. In addition to the Momijimon series, which is popular as a gift, you can also take your time to view works by the first, second, and third generations of Yamane Koya.