Travelling around Japan with pottery. Exploring crafts whose true value can only be appreciated when you touch them with your hands

In this article, we will introduce attractive tableware from all over Japan. We asked the people at the workshops about the attention to detail that goes into the tableware, what to look out for when you pick it up, and how to enjoy it at home.

[Okinawa Yachimun] "Uruma Pottery" expresses the vivid colors of the coral reef sea

"Yachimun" is the Okinawan word for pottery. It is a craft that has a generous impression typical of the tropics, with a solid, dynamic feel and plump texture, and one workshop that produces particularly unique pieces is "Uruma Pottery."

Its charm is its vivid marine blue, reminiscent of the coral reefs of the sea. This is because the color was chosen by the maker, ceramic artist Shinji Sato, who imagined the sea of Okinawa as seen from an airplane window. Sato says that the charm of Yachimun is that it "embodies the rich nature of Okinawa and the warmth of the islanders."

"Our studio keeps the best use of traditional techniques while incorporating new needs and evolving by adding innovative methods and ideas. On top of that, we capture the original scenery of Okinawa in our works. We would be happy if our customers can feel the once-in-a-lifetime experience of Okinawa through our pottery." (Mr. Sato)

Uruma Pottery does not offer mail order services because the workshop itself wants to promote the enjoyment of being able to pick out and choose the products.

"Since each piece is handmade and has a different expression, we do not accept any advance orders or reservations. Please come and purchase yours at the gallery in the store," says Sato.

Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it is also easy to use because it has been specially treated to prevent stains. It is perfect for everyday meals and special dinners. It also makes a great gift. The workshop is about an hour's drive from Naha Airport, near the underwater road in Uruma City, so please come and visit us.

Uruma Pottery

[Saga/Arita ware] "Risogama" - the home of domestic porcelain, where the dignity of Arita lies

Arita ware, which has a history of over 400 years, is famous as "Imari ware" along with Hasami ware from Nagasaki. Among them, Arita ware is the birthplace of domestic porcelain. Shinji Terauchi, the fourth generation owner of the Arita ware kiln "Risogama" introduced here, says that the charm of Arita ware is "artistic and diverse."

"Since the Edo period, our predecessors have been making things that meet the needs of the times. They have repeatedly swung between tradition and innovation, and we have come to this day not just by making things, but by adding the latest technology to them," says Terauchi.

The name "Risogama" comes from the fact that it was founded on the former residence of Ri Sanpei, who is said to be the founder of Arita ware. Terauchi himself was fascinated by the pottery fragments of early Imari, the origin of Arita ware, and learned the traditions and techniques of Arita from scratch. Terauchi says that everything has a front and back, and in the case of pottery, the craftsman's sense is tested in creating the edges and footings. When asked about the particularities of "Risogama," he told us, "We consciously try to incorporate something like 'the dignity that resides in pottery' into all of our products."

"The point I want you to pay attention to is how good it feels in your hand. If it's a drink, it's how good it feels on the mouth. I would be happy if you could feel a sense of comfort in my work. Many of our tableware are blue-and-white, which may seem like it would clash with the presentation of food. However, there aren't many ingredients that are blue, so it will bring out the best in any dish. Try using it first." (Terauchi)

Terauchi-san wants to make tableware that is easy to pick up and use, the kind that can be placed at the very front of a cupboard. The works of "Risogama", which have a wide range of uses from everyday use to entertaining, and a variety of designs, are recommended for those new to Arita ware.

Riso Kiln

[Okayama, Bizen ware] Design and functional beauty that fits into modern life "Morimoto Jin"

Bizen ware, one of the six ancient kilns of Japan, is a traditional craft representative of Okayama. Here we introduce the works of Morimoto Jin, a ceramic artist who was born in Bizen City and set up an atelier there after training. The works are characterized by their easy-to-use design and functional beauty that are in keeping with modern lifestyles.

Morimoto believes that the appeal of Bizen ware is the texture of the clay that can only be achieved through high-temperature firing. He seeks new ways to utilize the materials and approach the design of each piece, and his motto is to create items that blend naturally into everyday life.

When asked what people should pay attention to when picking up the dishes she has made, Morimoto replied, "I would be happy if you could choose something that allows you to imagine a scene in which you would use it."

"Personally, I think the features of my products are their design, which can be used in any situation, and their texture, which can be used with any type of food. The best thing is for customers to use their imagination and be satisfied after purchasing them by trying out different products. I would be happy if my products can help people enjoy their daily lives." (Morimoto)

Please note that Morimoto Jin's works are not sold directly. To see or purchase them, you will need to go to a store that carries them. For example, there is "Totou," a facility in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama that combines a traditional townhouse inn and a gallery. In addition to Morimoto Jin's Bizen ware, the store also exhibits and sells works by various other artists, so it is a good place to visit.

Torrential

[Aichi, Tokoname ware] A stylish warehouse where you can see, touch and taste "TOKONAME STORE"

Tokoname ware, which is produced mainly in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, and is made on the Chita Peninsula, is one of the six ancient kilns of Japan. Among them, we would like to introduce "TOKONAME STORE", a shop run by "Sangen Touen", a pottery manufacturer founded in 1967.

The shop, which was renovated from a warehouse, has three sheds. They are divided into a "STORE" where they sell their own brand of tableware, a "WORKSHOP shed" where they offer pottery experiences that even children can enjoy, and a "STAND" where you can enjoy light meals, coffee, and more.

Tokoname ware is famous for its teapots and jars. According to Ayumi Isshiki of TOKONAME STORE, the classic red clay teapot is made by reacting the iron oxide contained in the red clay with the tannins in tea, which removes the astringency and bitterness of tea and creates a mellow taste. The same goes for the baked teapot made from white clay.

Their own brand, "TEA FAMILY," inherits the traditional Tokoname ware techniques while using gentle pastel colors.

"It's a brand that's easy for the younger generation to relate to, and it's an opportunity for them to get to know Tokoname ware. Another key point is that the luster and flavor increase with age, and it's unique in that it becomes original to the customer." (Isshiki)

The operator, Sangen Touen, is a pottery manufacturer that has been making earthenware jars for over 50 years. Due to a decline in the number of potteries, Sangen Touen is the only pottery manufacturer in Tokoname that still makes earthenware jars.

"Recently, more and more people are enjoying seasonal handicrafts and growing their own produce. So we came up with a color scheme and shape that would blend in with modern lifestyles, and developed a stylish earthenware jar called "TOKONAME CROCK" using traditional methods. This is perfect for storing homemade miso and ume. Smaller jars can be used to store seasonings on the dinner table, and another great thing about them is that you can put pickles in them and serve them as a dish on the dinner table." (Isshiki)

The characteristic of Tokoname ware is that you can feel the natural color of the clay and the smooth texture on your skin. Another attractive feature of Tokoname ware is that it is not only tableware, but also a wide variety of storage containers and everyday items that can be used in everyday life. See, touch, and taste at "TOKONAME STORE". Let's enjoy your time as you like.

TOKONAME STORE

When you use a piece of pottery that you bought while traveling, it brings back memories of the time you bought it. If you have contact with the maker, those memories will be stronger and you will feel more attached to the piece. Why not explore Japanese crafts on a pottery journey?

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