The Beauty of Japanese Handcrafts

Ceramics are officially listed as "traditional handicrafts" by Japan, and they are fully reflected in the spirit of Japanese craftsmen. They are the perfect combination of pragmatism and aesthetics. Japanese pottery is very popular, and its high quality makes it often a good gift. Ceramics produced in Japan are usually divided into several categories according to the differences in the soil used, firing techniques, and regions. Most of these pottery are named according to the place of origin, and are known all over Japan. To get to know Japanese ceramics, start with the three famous pottery: Arita Ware (also known as Imari Ware) in Saga Prefecture, Mino Ware in Gifu Prefecture and Seto Ware in Aichi Prefecture, and then go to other places to learn more worth admiring ceramics.

Arita Ware 有田焼

Arita ware is mainly produced in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture, and is also called "Imari ware". With a glass-like smooth texture and gorgeous and delicate painted patterns, it is also very practical in daily life. It has been favored internationally since ancient times, especially in Europe. It is a traditional craft that can represent Japan.

Mino Ware 美濃焼

Mino ware is produced in Tono, Gifu Prefecture, and Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, known as the "No. 1 Ceramic Production Area in Japan", is the center of its development. Its roots can be traced back to 1300 years ago, and it is a kind of ceramic ware with various characteristics such as its ability to highlight the texture of the earth and its very modern design.

Seto Ware 瀬戸焼

Ceramics produced around Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, are known as "fired products using the oldest glaze" in Japan. The general term for ceramics is also called "SETO MONO" in Japanese. From this name, it can be seen that Seto has been the production area of fired products since ancient times, and the fired products produced in Seto are inseparable from people's lives.

Hasami Ware 波佐見焼

Hasami ware is produced in the area of Hasami-cho, Hachi-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture, and has a history of more than 400 years. It is characterized by convenient use and a very affordable price, which is affordable by ordinary people. Therefore, the history of Hasami ware has also changed with the living habits of different eras. In recent years, there have been more and more Hasami ware with a strong sense of design, and it is deeply loved by young people.

Kyoto Ware 京焼/清水焼

Kyoto ware, also known as Kiyomizu ware, is produced in the ancient capital of Kyoto as its name suggests. It has been one of the traditional crafts representing Kyoto since the Edo period. Its diverse appearance is described as "dazzling flowers", but the slender and elegant techniques are its common characteristics, which can always add a lot of luxury to the dining table.

Shigaraki ware 信楽焼

Shigaraki ware is produced in Shigaraki Town, Shiga Prefecture, and is a representative pottery of the Kinki region. During the firing process, the iron in the soil is oxidized to present the unique Japanese "Wabi-Sabi" beauty. In addition to being used as tableware, Shigaraki is also often used in decorations such as vases, tiles, and interior design. It has a wide range of uses.

Banko Ware 萬古焼

Banko ware is produced in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture. Its biggest feature is its superior heat resistance. It is most famous for its casserole and teapot. It is worth noting that 80% of casseroles in Japan are made of banko ware, and the longer it is used, the more the flavor of the ingredients will be brought out.

Tokoname ware 常滑焼

The production area is centered in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, and basically no glaze is used when firing. However, because the firing temperature is very high, it has a certain strength even though it is plain fired. Tokoname ware is most famous for teapots.

Kutani Ware 九谷焼

Kutani ware produced in the southern part of Ishikawa Prefecture is, simply put, brightly colored, boldly drawn, and very attractive pottery. In addition to daily necessities, there are also many works of art, and it is a baked product that has many fans all over the world.