with new exhibits after three-year conservation work, passing on 100 years’ history of Tokoname’s modern ceramics industry to future generations

INAX MUSEUMS, a cultural facility that introduces the attractions of clay and ceramics in Tokoname City (Aichi Prefecture), is pleased to reopen the Kiln Plaza, from 10 AM Saturday, October 5, 2019. The renewal open follows three years of conservation work and displays new exhibits.

View of the Kiln Plaza
Photo: Toshihide Kajiwara

INAX MUSEUMS’ Kiln Plaza houses what used to be a factory that manufactured ceramic products such as earthenware pipes, shochu bottles, and tiles from 1921 to 1971. LIXIL (INAX at that time) had the facility repaired and opened to the public as a museum in 1986. As a valuable heritage depicting the modern industrial activities in Tokoname, the facility was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structures) of Japan in 1997 and certified as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2007. Due to concerns over the deterioration of the over 90-years old building, the Kiln Plaza has been under conservation work since December 2016. With the work now completed after approximately three-years, the museum is pleased to reopen the facility to the public, displaying new exhibits.

The conservation work focused on preserving the appearance of the kiln, building, and chimney from their prime years, to portray the heat and passion of the ceramics manufacturing industry in Tokoname in the early to mid 20th century. At the same time, it also focused on ensuring to pass on how they looked a century ago to future generations, for another 50 to 100 years. In addition to the impressive exterior view revived by placing special attention to exterior finishing and roofing tile texture, visitors will enjoy the fascinating structure of the building itself, including the dynamic atmosphere of the large brick kiln, beams and columns made of thick timber, and the roof frame inside the building.

The new exhibition, utilizing modern technology, reproduces the real ambience of firing the kiln by projecting images of flames onto the brick interior wall. It is sure to entertain a wide range of visitors who will visually experience what it must have been like when firing the kiln while it was in operation.

INAX is a Japanese brand that manufactures innovative sanitary ware and artistic ceramic tiles. The history of INAX can be traced back over 100 years when our forefathers worked on producing the tiles for the second main building of the Imperial Hotel designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. By determining the properties of clay and the impact of fire, through numerous trials, we succeeded in the large-scale production of decorative tiles, which became the foundation of INAX. Since then, we have continuously pursued to deliver products for new and better living, engaging in challenging innovations including the first made in-Japan shower toilet, self-powered hands-free faucet, and interior tiles that freshen the air in the room. Meanwhile, we cultivated our skills to produce tiles that offer sophisticated expressions through delicate coloring and texture, gaining inspirations from Japanese tradition, culture, and the seasonal changes of nature. INAX creates beautiful, innovative bathrooms from Japan that make everyday life easier, healthier and more enjoyable, enabling everyone to live well.

www.inax.com