Bizen Pottery is said to be the art of earth and fire. It is a simple pottery that Okayama Prefecture, and indeed Japan, is proud of, as it makes the most of the texture of the clay without using glaze or painting. This time, I tried my hand at making a tea bowl for the first time!
2024.03.14-
Table of contents
- Things to know! The basics of Bizen Pottery
- Pottery experience debut!
- We steadily made our pieces while listening to the charm of Bizen Pottery from the teacher.
- It somehow took shape
- Engrave a ceramic seal
- Shopping is fun again!
- Walking around Imbe , the home of Bizen Pottery
- One month later, the piece finally arrives!
- Experience video
- how to apply
Things to know! The basics of Bizen Pottery
Bizen Pottery is Okayama Prefecture 's pride and joy. It is registered as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns and a Japanese Heritage Site. I own several pieces myself, and I can see that the more you use them, the smoother the edges become. That's right. Bizen Pottery is said to be "tableware that only comes to life with use." When you drink beer from this, it has a creamy, delicious foam! And it stays cold for a long time!
Pottery experience debut!
This time I visited Imbe , the home of Bizen Pottery . I thought I could get some instruction from a practicing potter, even though I'm a bit clumsy, so I decided to give it a try. Halfway through, it started to become more fun than I expected, and I got super serious.
We steadily made our pieces while listening to the charm of Bizen Pottery from the teacher.
As I listened to the profound depths of Bizen Pottery, my work took shape. I was surprised to hear that the extremely fine pores and slight breathability allow flowers to last longer in a vase. I was also told that these minute irregularities make the foam in beer finer, allowing it to last longer and taste better. I had expected the potters to be quiet and intimidating, but the teacher was friendly and kind.
It somehow took shape
In just an hour, your one-of-a-kind Bizen Bizen Pottery is complete! When it's finished, you'll feel a surprising sense of accomplishment. The photographer said it was "uneven," but I thought it might actually turn out pretty well once it was finished. (Even if it's uneven, you'll grow attached to it!)
Engrave a ceramic seal
Apparently, the signatures (marks) that artists put on their works are called toin (ceramics seals). Once the piece is complete, I will also carve my toin (ceramics seal). The piece will be ready in about a month. I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out. By the way, there are two types of finished product. Hidaski fired pieces have orange-ish stripes, while when fired in a climbing kiln, patterns such as "Sangiri", "Goma" and "Hidaski", which are unique to Bizen Pottery and known as "Kyohen", appear.
Shopping is fun again!
After the pottery making experience, we had the opportunity to look at and shop for the works made by the artists. Looking at the pieces after making them, I was truly impressed by their beautiful shapes and textures. They weren't all expensive and out of my reach. Bizen Pottery was originally made for everyday use, so I was happy that it was priced within my reach. What's more, Bizen Pottery is apparently less likely to break than other types of pottery because it is fired thoroughly.
Walking around Imbe , the home of Bizen Pottery
The most distinctive feature of this town is the scenery lined with climbing kiln chimneys. The atmosphere of a pottery town permeates everywhere. From reasonably priced shops to workshops displaying large, high-end works, it's fun just to look around. A recommended stop while strolling is Amatsu Shrine. There are even Bizen Pottery ware guardian dogs! The roof tiles of the shrine and the approach to the shrine are both Bizen Pottery. Even the votive plaques are Bizen Pottery.
One month later, the piece finally arrives!
My Bizen Pottery was delivered to my home. I opened it with excitement. I'm so happy! Seeing it makes me want to try my hand at pottery again. I use the pottery every day. As my teacher said, "Bizen Pottery is only brought to life by being used."
Experience video
how to apply
・Please check the page of each facility for details of the plan, such as fees and required time.
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