The museum was established in 1978 to showcase the history of Japanese pottery found in the area of
Owari Province, today part of
Aichi Prefecture. The main building and the southern annex were designed by renowned architect
Taniguchi Yoshirō. The collection of over 7000 items ranges from the
Jōmon period (circa 10,000 BC - circa 300 BC) to contemporary ceramics produced by some of Japan's most famous potters, detailing Japan's rich ceramic art history. Some of the works in the collection are designated as
Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The museum is located in the city of
Seto, Aichi, which is renowned for producing
Seto ware ceramics since over 1,000 years. Located in the museum is a library, restaurant, a traditional
Japanese tea ceremony room where visitors can drink from tea bowls made by famous artists and a studio for guests where they can try making and decorating their own pottery. Access by public transport is from
Fujigaoka Station on the
Higashiyama Line subway and by
Meitetsu Bus to Toji Shiryokan (Ceramic Museum) stop or
Tōji-shiryōkan-minami Station on the
Linimo. The museum is closed from June 2023 to March 2025 for reconstruction. ==See also==