About Us

Welcome to Maison Kyo

Based in Belgium, we are passionate collectors of Japanese vintage treasures. Our name, Maison KYO, pays homage to Kyoto — the heart of Japan’s rich cultural and artistic traditions.

In early 17th-century Japan, when travel was rare and roads were still undeveloped, a journey was considered a once-in-a-lifetime event. During the quiet agricultural off-season, people would travel to sacred temples to give thanks for the harvest and pray for good fortune. From these pilgrimages emerged kyodo-gangu — traditional local folk toys.

One of the earliest examples can be traced to Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, where visiting farmers would bring home small clay figurines made from local soil. These humble figures carried deep meaning: when scattered in the fields, they symbolized blessings for prosperity and abundance. Over time, artisans began creating unique handmade pieces that embodied the prayers, stories, and hopes of travelers — objects that connected people to both the land and its traditions.

At Maison KYO, our mission is to preserve and share this cultural heritage. Each vintage piece we curate carries with it not just beauty, but also history — a tangible link to the artisans and traditions of Japan’s past. Through our collection, we aim to ensure these meaningful objects are celebrated, cherished, and never forgotten.