The pottery/porcelain in Kyoto is called Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki. The industry in Kyoto rose in the 5th century when the people of the Higashiyama area began to produce earthenware using kilns. In the 14th century Muromachi period, new technology was imported from China and beautifully painted porcelain was born. It became popular as the tea ceremony developed. Kyomizu Yaki gets its name from the Kyoto pottery that was made in front of the gates of the Kiyomizu (Pure Water) Temple. Soon, the numbers of potters in the area increased, and in general it became known as the "Kyo Yaki - Kiyomizu Yaki".

Kyo Yaki/Kiyomizu Yaki doesn't have an defining characteristic such as those of the Kutaniyaki(of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture) or the Imari Yaki (of Imari City, Saga Prefecture). Instead, using the local flavor of Kyoto as a foundation, it also takes in and uses the styles and many great producing areas, both domestically and from overseas, to create a multi-faceted expression. Their origin is said to be around the beginning of the Heian period and they flourished together with the prospering of the Heian capital.