Although there were potters in Kyoto during the Nara(710-794) and Heian(794-1192) periods, the ceramic industry began thriving here during the Azuchi Momoyama Period(1573-1603). During the subsequent Edo Period(1603-1868), many studios were built here. Kyo-ware, featuring a broad variety of techniques and elegant designs, is widely used as household tableware, ornaments and utensils for tea ceremony and flower arrangement.