Ceramics is one of Japan's oldest arts. Pottery from the Jōmon period, which began more than ten thousand years ago, is among the oldest in the world. Since then, it has never ceased to accompany everyday Japanese life, from the family table to the tea ceremony.
The six ancient kilns
Among the oldest production centres, six have remained famous as the “six ancient kilns” (rokkoyō): Bizen (Okayama), Tanba (Hyōgo), Shigaraki (Shiga), Echizen (Fukui), Seto and Tokoname (Aichi). They were recognised in 2017 as Japan Heritage. Tokoname is still well known today for its kyusu teapots.
The tea ceremony and the rise of ceramics
In the 16th century, the tea ceremony gave a new place to bowls and utensils made in Japan. It was then that styles still alive today were born in the Mino region, such as Shino, Oribe with its deep green glaze, and Kiseto, “yellow Seto”.
The arrival of porcelain
Porcelain, finer, white and vitrified, appeared in Japan at the beginning of the 17th century in the Arita region, in Saga Prefecture. Nearby, Hasami, in Nagasaki Prefecture, specialised in everyday porcelain, often decorated in blue and white.
Today
The Mino region, around Toki and Tajimi in Gifu Prefecture, is today one of the largest tableware production regions in Japan. Most of our bowls, plates and cups come from there and from Hasami. Discover all our Japanese tableware.
