From Earth to Art: Exploring Japan’s Ceramic Heritage

When it comes to pottery, Japan is way ahead of the rest of the world. The art form is ingrained in Japanese culture, appearing in museums, local pottery towns, workshops, and households across the country.

This post explores the role of ceramics in historic and modern Japanese culture. Read on to find out the various pottery styles, regions, artists, and applications in Japan.

The Origins of Pottery in Japan: A Tradition Thousands of Years Old

The long history of Japanese pottery began with Jōmon-era (c. 14,000 and 300 BCE) earthenware, which existed about 10,000 years ago. The pottery at the time was baked in an open fire and featured handmade rope patterns. That era is named “Jōmon,” which translates to “rope-patterned” in English, because of the contemporary pieces of pottery.

Japanese pottery evolved into more refined art forms across centuries. In the Kofun period (300 to 538 AD), artists on Kyushu Island began to use roofed kilns when firing clay. The period also saw the introduction of the potter's wheel. The Anagama kiln, one of the greatest ancient kilns in Japanese history, helped the artists achieve the higher temperatures required to produce stoneware.

The Heian period saw the introduction of colored lead glaze techniques, which were used to make simple and three-colored glazes in temples. Kaolin, a special white clay, was discovered in the 17th century, and it opened the door to modern porcelain art in Japan.

Japanese Pottery vs. Ceramics: What’s the Difference?

We need to clarify common terms like pottery, ceramics, and porcelain to help you understand the broad spectrum of this Japanese art.

• Yakimono (pottery) refers to objects made from clay fired in a kiln at high temperatures. Pottery is typically used for functional objects such as tableware and pots.

• Tōki (ceramics) refers to a wide category of objects made from inorganic, non-metallic materials fired at high temperatures. These materials could be clay or similar substances. Types of ceramics include pottery, stoneware, earthenware, and porcelain.

• Jiki (porcelain) refers to a type of ceramic material made by heating kaolin (or kaolinite) in a kiln at high temperatures (typically 1,200-1,400 °C). Since porcelain is made with clay, albeit a specific kind, it’s a type of pottery. Most people call porcelain vitrified pottery because of the hard and durable objects it can produce.

In essence, all pottery is a type of ceramic, but not all ceramics are pottery. Also, all porcelain is a type of pottery.

Famous Pottery Styles and Regions in Japan

Japan contains 50+ pottery towns and each region is known for its distinct techniques, colors, and textures. The following is a list of the major local styles in the country:

• Arita: The town of Arita is the birthplace of the first Japanese porcelain. In the 1600s, the people of Arita in Saga Prefecture discovered kaolin, the clay required to make porcelain. Today, Arita ware (also called imari yaki) is known for its blue and white porcelain designs, delicate texture, and smooth surfaces inspired by Chinese ceramics produced in the 17th century. Arita porcelain became the pride of the small town, and the Dutch East India Company exported a lot of it to Europe.

• Mashiko: This style of Japanese pottery is common in Mashiko, Tochigi. It was invented in 1853 by Ōtsuka Keizaburō after he discovered clay deposits in the town. Another potter, Shōji Hamada, popularized his work in the 20th century. Mashiko style is simple yet decorative, and it uses red-brown clay found in the town. 

• Bizen: Known for its durability, Bizen-yaki pottery uses a special slow-firing method performed with dry straws. It comes from Imbe village, located in the Bizen Province in Okayama Prefecture. Bizen ware, one of the six ancient kilns, is characterized by an absence of glaze coating and the use of sticky, fine clay.

• Hagi: Like Arita yaki and Satsuma pottery styles, Hagi yaki was invented by craftsmen from the Korean Peninsula living in Japan. The ceramics from the town of Hagi, Yamaguchi, are known for their fine-grained clay (Kuchi-tsuchi) and the earthy texture it produces after firing. Hagi ware is typically used as teaware in Japan.

• Shigaraki: This is a pottery style used to make glazed and unglazed stoneware in Japan. The Shigaraki area is perfect for pottery because of an abundance of supple clay, mountains (for making pottery kilns), and natural forests (for fuel). Shigaraki yaki pottery is often used to make tanuki (raccoon dog) sculptures and hibachis (traditional cooking devices).

• Kutani: Kutani pottery is a traditional style used to make porcelain. It has been around for over 350 years. The style is famous for having a diverse range of overglazing techniques and using saiji, a form of fine calligraphy.

• Seto: The high-quality clay in Seto, Aichi, is perfect for glaze work. It turns a vibrant white after proper firing. Seto ware (or Seto yaki) is often used as vases, jugs, bowls, plates, and Japanese porcelain dolls.

Wabi-Sabi and the Aesthetic of Imperfection in Japanese Ceramics

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection. The concept of flawed beauty echoes throughout most traditional artwork, including pottery. Japanese ceramics embrace natural textures, asymmetry, roughness, partly random motifs, and earthy tones, reflecting the wabi-sabi philosophy of imperfect beauty.

If we break down the concept, we will find that “wabi” means “tranquil simplicity” in Japanese, and sabi translates to “rustic patina.” It refers to the mindset of appreciating the simplicity and subtle beauty of old and worn-out objects. The philosophy is also a major component of kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with urushi lacquer mixed with gold, platinum, or silver.

Pottery in Daily Life: From Matcha Bowls to Bento Dishes

Traditional pottery continues to play a role in the daily lives of Japanese people. While some are used as tableware for everyday Japanese meals or as home décor, the more exquisite ceramics are reserved for special occasions. Restaurants also use pottery dishes to reflect the changing seasons.

Traditional pottery also plays a major role in Japanese tea ceremonies, as it is used to create chawan (tea bowl), which is made with wabi-sabi principles in mind. Its popularity among tea masters is responsible for the rapid growth of Japanese pottery over the centuries. Raku ware (or raku yaki) is the most common pottery used as tea utensils for Japanese tea ceremonies. 

Ceramic Artists of Japan: Masters of Modern and Traditional Forms

Several ceramic artists from Japan are both preserving and reinventing traditional techniques in today’s art world. Below is a list of some renowned and emerging Japanese ceramicists.

• Sekisui Ito V: Sekisui V is arguably the most talented Japanese potter in the world. In 2003, he was certified a Living National Treasure by the government of Japan. He went to Kyoto University, where he honed his skills by studying ceramics. Sekisui V comes from a long line of ceramic artists who were known for their mumyoi-yaki pieces.

• Manji Inoue: Born in 1929, Inoue became a certified Living National Treasure in 1995. Known for his work with hakuji, a form of white porcelain, he is a perfectionist who aims to create a flawless design at all times.

• Hayashi Kaku: Although born in Taiwan, Hayashi Kaku studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts under the tutelage of iconic Japanese potter Fujimoto Yoshimichi. She is one of Japan’s biggest female ceramic artists. Hayashi Kaku’s work has touches of Zen philosophy, nature elements, and rich glazes.

• Kazunori Hamana: Hamana has been vocal about his love of nature and how it influences his artwork. He has spent most of his life in Japan, where he taught himself ceramics. Kazunori Hamana is a ceramic artist, farmer, and fisherman.

How Japanese Pottery Is Made: Techniques and Firing Styles

Heavily influenced by Korean and Chinese pottery, most produced Japanese pottery consists of handcrafted tableware made from clay. Mass ceramic production techniques are only used for a small portion.

The first stage of producing pottery in Japan is the sourcing of the raw clay and other natural resources. The regional style will determine the type of clay to use, the pottery techniques involved, the product's form, and the glaze colors.

Next is the shaping process, which transforms mounds of clay into functional vessels. The most popular shaping method among Japanese artist potters is rokuro, or wheel-throwing. They also use hand-building techniques that do not require a potter’s wheel, such as tebineri (pinching), himo-zukuri (coiling), kurinuki (carving out), wari-gata (piece-molding), and tatara-zukuri (slab-building).

The artist then adds vibrant colors, unique patterns, and intricate designs to the body of the pottery using various glazing techniques while it spins on a wheel. They may apply glaze at regular intervals (nagashikake), from a bamboo vessel (ponkaki), or by slow dipping (uchikake).

The firing process may occur in the later stages, but it’s a crucial step that gives ceramics their natural beauty and durability. Japanese artisans use different kiln firing techniques. One of the oldest styles and most unique methods is the Anagama (wood-fired kilns). The Anagama kiln has a single chamber, and it’s constructed on the side of a hill. Noborigama kiln has multiple chambers that offer a diverse range of firing options.

Where to See and Buy Authentic Japanese Pottery

If you want to view, collect, or buy Japanese pottery, you can visit museums, kiln towns, and pottery markets across Japan. Places like Kyoto, Mashiko, and Seto have many specialty shops where you can find both simple and exquisite ceramics.

Hands-On Experiences: Pottery Workshops in Japan

There is a rise in pottery-making classes for travelers, where visitors can try shaping their own styles of cup, plate, or tea bowl using local clay. They range from ceramic art schools and pottery studios to local craft houses. You can find these places in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hagi.

Conclusion: The Living Art of Japanese Ceramics

Japanese pottery is not only a craft but a way of life. By merging beauty, tradition, and everyday utility, these artworks continue to inspire people worldwide. If you would like to inspire your loved ones with the magic of Japanese ceramic artisans, shop for gifts at Bokksu Boutique. We offer beautifully crafted mugs, cups, bowls, toys, and more!