[Raku ware]
Japanese lead-glazed earthenware, originally invented in 16th-century Kyōto. Quite distinct from wares that preceded it, raku represents an attempt to arrive at a new kind of beauty by deliberate repudiation of existing forms. The shape of the vessels is extremely simple: a wide, straight-sided bowl set on a narrow base. Because raku wares are molded entirely by hand, each piece expresses the individuality of the maker's hand; and pieces tend to be unique creations. The glaze colours include dark brown, light orange-red, straw colour, green, and cream etc.
[Donen NAKAMURA]
Donen Nakamura is a family historic name that the family member of Yagoto kiln in Nagoya city, Aichi prefecture has been succeed the family’s head generation to generation. The present master is the 5th generation Donen. The Yaji kiln produces Yaku ware only after WW2.

-First Generation: Donen Ikkyuan (1876-1937)
Donen I was born Shintaro in Minamiyamashiro, Kyoto prefecture.
He refined his skills at famous potter’s studio such as Rokubei Shimizu, Dohachi Takahashi IV, Yohei Taizan and Zoroku Mashimizu and acquired methods of Kyo ware, Raku ware, sometsuke and other pottery techniques.
After that he visited kilns in China and back to Nagoya where he met Joichi Takahashi III, a wealthy merchant. Joichi provided Donen his house in Yagoto Nanzan and Donen established noborigama kiln and Raku ware kiln there to concentrate on producing. Donen I produced in a wide variety such as Raku ware, Iroe, Iga-utsushi, mishima, hakeme, sometsuke and akae.
Died in 1937, at the age of 62.
-Second Generation (1906-1972)
The eldest son of Donen I. Donen II was born in Kyoto. His original name was Shoji.
He learned pottery methods under his father and Japanese tea ceremony under Shosei Yoshida, the master of Teahouse in Nagoya, Shofuan. Donen II succeeded his father’s name in 1937. In 1943, he closed the Yagoto main kiln because of the Pacific War, and then he devoted himself to create Raku ware. Later, the 13th generation master of Omotesenke, Sokuchusai presented him a name “Yagoto kiln”. In his later years, Donen II guided potters in Tokyo in the methods of Raku ware.
-Third Generation (1938-1988)
The eldest son of Donen II, born in Nagoya. His original name was Ryotaro.
Donen III refined his skills under his father after graduation from the sculpture course of Asahigaoka High School and succeeded his father’s name in 1973.
He held his personal exhibitions in Horoshima, Tokyo, Nagoya and other citirs in the country and also he cultivated connections within the Urasenke family and his kiln. Unfortunately he died young in 1988, at the age of 50.
　
- Fourth Generation (1941-)
The wife of Donen III. Her original name is Keiko and known as “Ama (a nun) Donen”.
Donen IIII got married to Donen III in 1966 and succeeded her husband’s name in 1988 when Donen III suddenly passed away. In 1989, she received the name “ Amayaki Donen Nakamura” from the 14th generation master of Omotesenke.
2001: Received the Nagoya Lifetime Achievement Award
-Fifth Generation (1967-)
The eldest son of Donen III. His original name is Naoyuki.
After his graduation from Nagoya Zokei College of Art and Design in 1990, he refined his skills under Shigetoshi Nakazatom a potter and succeeded his mother’s name in 2001.