Echizen, one of Japan’s Six Old Kilns originates in late Heian period (794-1192). People had already manufactured Sue ware since Nara period (710-794). In accordance with growth of agriculture, people needed more pottery, and then they built the very first…
Kyoto
Kyo Ware/Kiyomizu Ware: Characteristics In general, “Pottery made in Kyoto” collectively means Kyo ware/Kiyomizu ware. There are no specific characteristics such as the form or the color that specify them as Kyo ware/Kiyomizu ware. However, the fact “Made in Kyoto”…
Shigaraki
Shigaraki Ware: Characteristics Shigaraki ware is a pottery produced mainly in Shigaraki area in Koka city, Shiga prefecture. Shigaraki ware is characterized by its distinctive form brought by the wood firing; the reddish-orange (scarlet) color from oxidation of iron in…
Hagi
Hagi Ware: Characteristics Hagi ware owes its reputation to the quality of their bowls. According to the old saying, “Ichi Raku, Ni Hagi, San Karatsu”, that is “First Raku, Second Hagi, Third Karatsu”, essentially saying Raku-style is the ideal pottery…
Bizen
The Traditional Beauty of Earth & Fire: Bizen Ware Bizen Ware: Characteristics Bizen Ware is counted along with Seto, Tokoname, Tanba, Shigaraki and Echizen as representing the Six Old Kilns of Japan’s Middle Ages. The history behind Bizen Ware is…
Bizen – History
It is said that Bizen Ware got its start from a change in the process of Sue Ware of the Kofun Era, and was produced in the Heian Era at the foot of Mt. Kuma as daily-use items such as…
Bizen – Potter
Kaneshige Toyo (1896 – 1967) Toyo Kaneshige was born in Inbe, Bizen City, and became a National Living Treasure in 1956. He became a potter through his father, Baiyo Kaneshige. Pursuing the beauty of Old Bizen with added research and…
Bizen – Photos
>> Characteristics >> History >> Potter Photos by Bizen City Tourist Association
Arita
Arita Ware: Characteristics Arita Ware, which has a long history, is generally divided into three styles: Old Imari, Kakiemon and Nabeshima. Old Imari is a term referring to Hizen ceramic goods which were the first examples of Arita Ware made…
Arita – History
The beginning of Arita took place during Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s Imjin War in Korea. The fruitless 7 years of battle was brought to a close with Toyotomi’s death. During this time, many of the feudal lords, or daimyo, returned home from…