Koishiwara Ware: Unique Technique and Artistic Japanese Pottery
What is Koishiwara ware?
Koishiwara is a pottery produced in the Koishiwara district of Higashimine Village, Fukuoka Prefecture. Koishiwara ware is characterized by its unique decorative techniques and styles, such as "tobikanna," "hakeme," and "kushime”. The "tobikanna" technique requires a high level of skill to plane off the surface of the raw ware to create a pattern. “Hakeme" and "Kushime" are techniques that use brushes and combs, respectively, to create patterns, and both require a high level of skill because the patterns change depending on the delicate force used. Koishiwara ware is not flashy, but its simple and unique atmosphere gives warmth to our daily life.
Koishiwara ware is made in a rich natural environment surrounded by mountains at an altitude of 1,000 meters. Blessed with soil suitable for pottery making and trees for fuel, the pottery has been produced for about 350 years. Today, there are about 40 successors to the kiln, and they are challenging themselves to create new styles while inheriting the traditional techniques.
History of Koishiwara ware
The origin of Koishiwara ware dates back to 1669, when Takatori Hachinojo moved to Koishiwara Village and discovered the pottery clay. In 1682, Kuroda Mitsuyuki, the feudal lord of the Kuroda Domain, invited craftsmen from Imari porcelain, which was famous for its porcelain production, to Koishiwara and Hachinojo began producing porcelain. Koishiwara ware was called Nakano Pottery because the area was called Nakano at that time. There was a period of time when Nakano ware was not produced, but around 1927, production as a ceramic ware began to resume. Around the time of World War II, the shortage of goods due to the war increased the demand for daily necessities such as sake jars and tableware, and production expanded.
Highly Valued Worldwide Ceramic Ware
In 1958, the company was awarded the Grand Prix at the World Exposition in Brussels, and it went on to win high acclaim worldwide. In 1975, Koishiwara ware was designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as Japan's first traditional craft in ceramics. Koishiwara ware, with its technical, artistic, and utilitarian qualities, is still being passed down through the generations at the kilns.
Koishiwara tableware
Koishiwara ware is characterized by its unique design, yet its simplicity blends well into everyday life. We recommend using it as cups and plates for daily use.
This bowl uses the brushwork technique. It can be used for drinking soup.
This pot is also made with the brushwork technique. It looks like it would be hard to cool down if you put a hot drink in it.
It would be good to decorate cheese with this plate. It is simple but creates a calm atmosphere.
This is a bowl for rice. It is perfect for eating rice in Japanese style.
The last one is a small bowl in the shape of a flower. It looks just right for serving a small dish.