Ko Kutani (Old Kutani) is said to have been produced in the village of Kutani between the mid-17^th century and the early 18^th century. The kilns were suddenly abandoned at the beginning of the 18^th century and left alone for about 100 years. In the early 19^th century, Yoshidaya kiln successfully recreated the colours of overglaze enamels to revive authentic style of ao-de (green) Ko Kutani ware.
Ikeshima Naoto is a Kutani painter who produces Kutani ware in ao-de style, which stems from the ancient Ko Kutani masterpieces. Ayatakado interviews Ikeshima to ask how he made himself a Kutani ware painter who seeks for ao-de green that fascinates us.