Yasuo Yamaguchi (山口康雄), the founder and master artisan of Kouun Kiln, is a dedicated craftsman who has spent decades bridging the gap between historical Karatsu traditions and contemporary functional art. Born in 1950, he established his own kiln in 1992 with the ambitious goal of establishing a distinct "Takeo Ware" identity that honours the region's 400-year pottery heritage. Yamaguchi is renowned for his mastery of the climbing kiln (noborigama) and the kick-wheel (kerokuro), manual techniques he considers essential for "conversing" with clay. His work is characterized by a harmonious balance between the rugged, understated "Karatsu" aesthetic and delicate decorative flourishes like overglaze painting, reflecting his philosophy that pottery should not only be beautiful but also deeply integrated into the daily rituals of modern life.

Established in 1992 in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, Kouun Kiln is a distinguished pottery studio dedicated to evolving the tradition of Old Karatsu ware to suit modern lifestyles.

Led by master craftsman Yasuo Yamaguchi, the kiln specializes in blending the rustic, earthy textures of traditional Karatsu style with vibrant overglaze and aka-e (red painting) techniques to create a unique "New Takeo" aesthetic. Committed to authentic craftsmanship, the studio continues to honour ancestral methods by utilizing kick-lathes and firing a traditional climbing kiln (noborigama) twice a year, a labour-intensive process where wood is stoked for three days to reach temperatures of 1,300°C.

Through their collection of tea bowls, plates, and everyday vessels, Kouun Kiln strives to establish a distinct identity for "Takeo Ware" while maintaining a deep gratitude for the natural materials and historical techniques that define their art.