KOYO IBUSHI

  • KOYO IBUSHI
  • Koyo Seiga Co., Ltd.
    JP | EN

    Partner of Historical Japanese Landmarks

    Funatsu-cho in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a town blessed by the clear waters of Ichi-kawa River and an abundance of nature. The tile industry here was established in 1805 by order of the lord of Himeji Castle due to the wealth of high quality clay, the key raw material. It is in this historical town of Funatsu that the Koyo Seiga Ibushi Kawara Tile Industry lies.
    The company was established in 1923. Ibushi Kawara tiles, made of high-quality clay which is first oxidation fired before being reduction smoked in our Koyo kilns, have been highly regarded all over Japan for their unparalleled strength and beauty. These Ibushi Kawara and the superior technology required to produce them have been recognized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and we produced Ibushi Kawara for the main keep in the recent large-scale renovation of Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage. Through our production of special tiles for numerous shrines, temples, and castles, we have played a significant role in bequeathing traditional architecture to the future.
    Koyo Ibushi are interior materials produced by Koyo Seiga. These beautiful and durable Ibushi Kawara, produced from natural materials, can be used as a feature within a space, or to clad an entire building. Utilizing traditional techniques from the birthplace of tiles and transferring them to the present day―this is our new challenge.

    From Roofs to Walls―Evolving in Its 5000th year

    A Traditional Material from Thousands of Years Ago

    According to one theory, Ibushi Kawara have a history stretching back 4000 to 5000 years. The Nihon Shoki, the “Chronicles of Japan”, states that tiles first came to Japan from China for the construction of Asuka-dera Temple in 588 A.D.

    Strong yet Delicate Ibushi Kawara

    Ibushi Kawara, which are a type of porous ceramic, are famous for their strength. Most roofing materials can be expected to have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, but Ibushi Kawara are durable enough to last twice that length of time. Another reason they are loved so much is the fact that they are made from just two completely natural materials – soil and carbon, and they are particularly popular still as they are both environmentally friendly and non-hazardous to people. These tiles are also known for their insulation properties and their far-infrared effect, demonstrating ability that holds ground with leading-edge materials. Koyo Ibushi materials make full use of the excellent characteristics of Ibushi Kawara.

    The Shimmer of Ibushi Silver

    The austere silver of Ibushi Kawara is created by a layer of carbon. The reason these are sometimes called ‘smoked tiles’ is that a special smoking process takes place at the end of the firing process, which creates this unique luster without dusting the tiles with metal. The Koyo Ibushi materials gently reflect the sunlight when used as external wall materials, and reflect room lighting and indirect light when used indoors. The shimmer of Ibushi silver subtly changes over time. The fact that the texture changes with age is perhaps another reason the Ibushi Kawara are loved so much.

    Soil, Carbon, and Handiwork

    At Koyo Seiga we create a blend of unique proportions using a number of types of clay, each of which has different qualities. We fire the clay slowly over time, maximizing the merits of each variety of clay, and smoke it to form the beautiful Ibushi silver carbon layer. The handiwork of our craftsmen is also indispensable. The surface is elaborately polished and smoothed with a spatula and a trowel before the firing process. The properties of the clay are carefully examined, and the pre-firing form of the Ibushi Kawara is minutely adjusted based on seasonal differences in temperature and humidity to ensure uniformity and to maintain constant high quality.

    MOMO

    Ultra light weight Ibushi tile “Momo”.
    A product which combiend the traditional Ibushi Kawara and modern ceramic technique.
    This Silver Ibushi applied foamed ceramic is about the half the weight of other productsi.

    MOMO

    135mm×135mm×13mm

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    MOMO

    Product Name MOMO
    Product Number MOMO-01
    Spec
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 3x3/sheet
    Size (mm) 45×45
    Thickness(mm) 13
    Size including
    seams(mm)
    135×135
    (mm)
    Sheets/m² 55
    Sheets/box 68
    Kg/box 12
    Kg/m² 9
     

    ARARE

    A random combination of square parts of varying tones and thicknesses.
    Savor the way the expression changes depending on the direction of the light.

    SUPER SMALL (ITAR-20)

    115mm×115mm×5-9mm

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    SMALL (ITAR-21)

    108mm×108mm×5-9mm

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    MIDDLE (ITAR-22)

    147mm×147mm×7-11mm

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    LARGE (ITAR-23)

    135.5mm×135.5mm×7-12mm

    LARGE (ITAR-23-F)

    135.5mm×135.5mm×15mm

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    REGO (ITAR-24)

    133.5mm×138.5mm×9-15mm

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    LL (ITAR-54)

    324mm×324mm×7-15mm

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    ARARE

    Product Name SUPER SMALL SMALL MIDDLE LARGE LARGE (floor tile) LL REGO
    Product Number ITAR-20 ITAR-21 ITAR-22 ITAR-23 ITAR-23-F ITAR-54 ITAR-24
    Spec
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 10x10/sheet
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 7x7/sheet
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 5x5/sheet
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 4x4/sheet
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 4x4/sheet
    • With net backing
    • 2mm seams
    • 6x6/sheet
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 4x9/ sheet
    Size (mm) 11×11 15×15 29×29 34×34 34×34 52×52 33×15
    Thickness (mm) 5・7・9 5・7・9 7・9・11 7・9・12 15 7・11・15 9・11・15
    Size/Sheet (mm) 115×115
    (mm)
    108×108
    (mm)
    147×147
    (mm)
    135.5×135.5
    (mm)
    135.5×135.5
    (mm)
    324×324
    (mm)
    133.5×138.5
    (mm)
    Sheets/m² 76 86 46.3 54.5 54.5 9.5 54
    Sheets/box 108 108 60 60 32 8 52
    Kg/box 22 19 24 21 18 18 21
    Kg/m² 15.2 14.2 17.6 18 30.5 21 21
     
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    HARIMA

    The attraction of this series is in its expression of light and shade combined with a feeling of width and spaciousness.
    The contrast between light and shade creates stunning beauty.

    YAMA-A(ITBS-30-225L)

    300mm×225mm×8-20mm

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    YAMA-B(ITBS-30-225R)

    300mm×225mm×8-20mm

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    SATO(ITB-30-225)

    300mm×225mm×9-15mm

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    HARIMA/INABA shared corner (ITB-C)

    300mmx50-60mm×9mm

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    YAMA・SATO (edge tile)

    28mm×73mm

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    HARIMA

    Product Name YAMA A YAMA B YAMA (edge tile) SATO SATO (edge tile)   HARIMA・INABA
    shared corner
    Product Number ITBS-30-225L ITBS-30-225R ITBS-30-75 ITB-30-225 ITB-30-75   ITB-C
    Spec
    • With net backing
    • 1-2mm seams
    • 10/sheet
    • With net backing
    • 1-2mm seams
    • 10/sheet
    • Edge material
    • Individual
    • ---
    • With net backing
    • 1-2mm seams
    • 10/sheet
    • Edge material
    • Individual
    • ---
     
    • With net backing
    • 1-2mm seams
    • 10/sheet
    Size (mm) 28×223 28×223 28×73 28×223 28×73   30×50-60
    Thickness (mm) 8/20 8/20 8/20 9・15 9・15   9
    Size/Sheet (mm) 300×225
    (mm)
    300×225
    (mm)
    ---
    (mm)
    300×225
    (mm)
    ---
    (mm)
     
    (mm)
    300×60
    (mm)
    Sheets/m² 14.8 14.8 --- 14.8 ---   3.3sets/m
    Sheets/box 10 10 --- 12 ---   60
    Kg/box 19 19 --- 19.5 ---   ---
    Kg/m² 28.5 28.5 --- 23.5 ---   ---
       
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    INABA

    An interlocking layout of pieces of different height levels.
    The light produces a luster and shadow, creating an artistic countenance.

    INABA(ITBS-30-100)

    300mm×200mm×9-19mm

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    HARIMA/INABA shared corner (ITB-C)

    300mmx50-60mm×9mm

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    INABA

    Product Name INABA   HARIMA・INABA
    shared corner
    Product Number ITBS-30-100   ITB-C
    Spec
    • With net backing
    • 2mm seams
    • 20/sheet
     
    • With net backing
    • 1-2mm seams
    • 10/sheet
    Size (mm) 28×98   30×50-60
    Thickness (mm) 9/19   9
    Size/Sheet (mm) 300×200   300×60
    Sheets/m² 16.7   3.3sets/m
    Sheets/box 10   60
    Kg/box 17.1   ---
    Kg/m² 27.8   ---
       
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    JIN

    Large square Koyo Ibushi tiles.
    Reversible tiles, the surface with fine slits of which leaves a lasting impression.
    The flat lustrous side bounces the light back beautifully.

    FLAT(Plain) Wall tile / JIN-300W

    297mm×297mm×10mm

    FLAT(Plain) FLOOR tile / JIN-300F

    297mm×297mm×15mm

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    SLIT(Patterned) Wall tile / JIN-300WS

    297mm×297mm×10mm

    SLIT(Patterned) FLOOR tile / JIN-300FS

    297mm×297mm×15mm

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    FLAT(Plain) Wall tile / JIN-150W

    147mm×147mm×10mm

    FLAT(Plain) FLOOR tile / JIN-150F

    147mm×147mm×15mm

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    SLIT(Patterned) Wall tile / JIN-150WS

    147mm×147mm×10mm

    SLIT(Patterned) FLOOR tile / JIN-150FS

    147mm×147mm×15mm

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    JIN

    Product Name FLAT wall tiles SLIT wall tiles FLAT floor tiles SLIT floor tiles FLAT wall tiles SLIT wall tiles FLAT floor tiles SLIT floor tiles
    Product Number JIN-300W JIN-300WS JIN-300F JIN-300FS JIN-150W JIN-150WS JIN-150F JIN-150FS
    Spec
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    Size (mm) 297×297 297×297 297×297 297×297 147×147 147×147 147×147 147×147
    Thickness (mm) 10 10 15 15 10 10 15 15
    Size/Sheet (mm) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
    Sheets/m² 11 11 11 11 44 44 44 44
    Sheets/box 10 10 7 7 40 40 28 28
    Kg/box 23 23 22 22 23 23 22 22
    Kg/m² 24 24 32 32 24 24 32 32
     

    *The product number of JIN300 square has been changed.
    *The normal use surface is a flat surface. When using a slit surface, please use a new number of JIN-300FS and JIN-300WS.

    LINE

    An elaborate design which maximizes the effect of sharp lines.
    Choose from stately BLACK, beautifully shiny SILVER, or MIX, which combines the two.

    BLACK(ITFL-B)

    225mm×110mm×17mm

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    SILVER(ITFL-S)

    225mm×110mm×17mm

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    MIX(ITFL-M)

    225mm×110mm×17mm

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    LINE

    Product Name
    (built to order)
    BLACK
    (built to order)
    SILVER
    (built to order)
    MIX
    Product Number ITFL-B ITFL-S ITFL-M
    Spec
    • With net backing
    • 1mm seams
    • 10/sheet
    • With net backing
    • 1mm seams
    • 10/sheet
    • With net backing
    • 1mm seams
    • 10/sheet
    Size (mm) 225(±2)×10 225(±2)×10 225(±2)×10
    Thickness (mm) 17 17 17
    Size/Sheet (mm) 225×110
    (mm)
    225×110
    (mm)
    225×110
    (mm)
    Sheets/m² 40.5 40.5 40.5
    Sheets/box 24 24 24
    Kg/box 15.5 15.5 15.5
    Kg/m² 26 26 26
     
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    KASURI

    A combination of rectangular parts – two horizontal and two vertical.
    This interwoven mosaic of Ibushi silver is the perfect feature within a space.

    FLAT Wall tile (ITK-11)

    137.5mm×137.5mm×9mm

    FLAT (floor tile) (ITK-11-F)

    137.5mm×137.5mm×15mm

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    Uneven type (ITK-12)

    137.5mm×137.5mm×9-15mm

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    KASURI

    Product Name FLAT (wall tile) FLAT (floor tile) Uneven type
    Product Number ITK-11 ITK-11-F ITK-12
    Spec
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 8 sheet
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 8 sheet
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 8 sheet
    Size (mm) 68×34 68×34 68×34
    Thickness (mm) 9 15 9・11・15
    Size/Sheet (mm) 137.5×137.5
    (mm)
    137.5×137.5
    (mm)
    137.5×137.5
    (mm)
    Sheets/m² 53 53 53
    Sheets/box 48 32 52
    Kg/box 15.5 18 21
    Kg/m² 16.7 29.7 23.5
     
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    SQUARE

    Square parts which enable you to savor different Ibushi silver timbres.
    Use whichever number of tiles you choose in your favorite place.

    75 (wall tile)(ITAR-75-9)

    72mm×72mm×9mm

    75 (floor tile)(ITAR-75-15)

    72mm×72mm×15mm

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    100 (wall)(ITAR-100)

    95mm×95mm×9mm

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    SQUARE

    Product Name 75 (wall tile) 75 (floor tile) 100 (wall tile)
    Product Number ITAR-75-9 ITAR-75-15 ITAR-100
    Spec
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    Size (mm) 72×72 72×72 95×95
    Thickness (mm) 9 15 9
    Size/Sheet (mm) ---
    (mm)
    ---
    (mm)
    ---
    (mm)
    Sheets/m² 176 176 99
    Sheets/box 264 152 99
    Kg/box 23.76 24.32 15.84
    Kg/Sheets 0.09 0.16 0.16
     
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    BORDER

    Rectangle formed Ibuhi Kawar.
    It can be used for both wall and floor to give more possiblity to create a space.

    BORDER 20

    20mm×250mm×20mm

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    BORDER 25

    25mm×250mm×25mm

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    BORDER

    Product Name BORDER 20 BORDER 25
    Product Number ITB-2020 ITB-2525
    Size (mm) 20×250 25×250
    Thickness (mm) 20 25
    Sheets/box 102 70
    Kg/box 22.4 23.8
    kg/piece 0.22 0.34
     

    IRAKA

    The smooth curved elegant IRAKA with its elegance.
    Recommended for highly designed floors and walls such as Kawara Dobei,
    Japanese traditional mud and Kawara wall.

    IRAKA 16

    270mm×50mm×16mm

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    IRAKA 25

    270mm×50mm×25mm

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    IRAKA 50

    270mm×50mm×50mm

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    IRAKA

    Product Name IRAKA 16 IRAKA 25 IRAKA 50
    Product Number IRAKA-64-16 IRAKA-64-25 IRAKA-64-50
    Size (mm) 270×50 270×50 270×50
    Thickness (mm) 16 25 50
    Sheets/box 77 55 33
    Kg/box 15.4 18.2 21.8
    Kg/piece 0.2 0.33 0.66
     

    Floor tile

    Koyo Ibushi is noted for its beautiful light and shadow depending on angle with its 凹凸.
    By making the tile flat, now you can use it for floor as well.

    ARARE / LARGE-FLOOR

    135.5mm×135.5mm×15mm

    more

    KASURI / FLAT-FLOOR

    137.5mm×137.5mm×15mm

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    SQUARE / 75-FLOOR

    72mm×72mm×15mm

    more

    JIN / 300F FLOOR / Reversible(Patterned)

    297mm×297mm×10mm

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    JIN / 300F FLOOR / Reversible(Plain)

    297mm×297mm×10mm

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    Floor tile

    Product Name
    ---
    ARARE
    LARGE-FLOOR
    KASURI
    FLAT-FLOOR
    SQUARE
    75-FLOOR
    JIN
    FRONT-FLOOR / BACK-FLOOR
    Product Number ITAR-23-F ITK-11-F ITAR-75-15 JIN-300F
    Spec
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 4×4/sheet
    • With net backing
    • No seams
    • 8/sheet
    • Individual
    • ---
    • ---
    • Individual
    • Reversible
    • ---
    Size (mm) 34×34 68×34 72×72 297×297
    Thickness (mm) 15 15 15 15
    Size (mm) 135.5×135.5 137.5×137.5 --- ---
    Sheets/m² 54.5 53 176 11
    Sheets/box 32 32 152 7
    Kg/box 18 18 24.32 21
    kg/㎡ 30.5 29.7 0.16 32.6
     
    Download other floor materials (catalog PDF)
    • Made in JAPAN
    • A II unglazed tile (type II/stone quality)
    • Only to be used with adhesive
    • ■Please use elastic adhesive for tiles as the adhesive
    • ■Please confirm surface water resistance with backing when using outside or on a damp surface
    • ■Tiles have color irregularities and color depth typical of fired pottery
    • ■Water absorption ratio approximately 5%
    • ■Due to their characteristics, tiles must be handled with care as smoked tile surface is easily damaged and may peel
    • ■Do not apply curing tape or masking tape to the smoked tile surface
    • ■Not suitable for acid wash
    • ■Joining material may be visible through the cracks in tiles with seams
    • ■Please enquire as stock levels are low. Orders for out of stock items will take approximately 1 month to produce
    • ■Sizes shown are standard dimensions. Please be aware when laying out that dimensions may be imprecise in some batches
    • ■In addition, we also accept custom-made consultations

    Company Profile

    Company name Koyo Seiga Co., Ltd, Traditional Japanese Ibushi Kawara Tile Industry
    Location 5241-5 Funatsu-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan 679-2101
    Tel +81-(0)79-232-5295
    Fax +81-(0)79-232-7003
    E-mail info@koyoseiga.co.jp
    URL https://www.koyoseiga.co.jp
    Established March 10, 1923
    Capital ¥10,000,000
    Business Overview
    • Tiles for cultural assets, shrines, temples, castles, pagodas, etc. (manufacture, sales, roofing works)
    • Tiles for domestic use (manufacture, sales, roofing works)
    • Experiential tourism business
    • Interior business
    Himeji Castle

    Traditional Japanese Ibushi Kawara Tile Industry
    – creating tiles for Himeji Castle,
    a UNESCO World Heritage.

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