The Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Pottery: Comparing 12 Famous Styles

What is the Charm of Japanese Pottery?

The charm of Japanese pottery is said to lie in its “natural, asymmetrical forms,” in contrast to Western porcelain, which often pursues perfect, regulated beauty.

For example, the thickness of a vessel may be uneven, or the shape may not be symmetrical. This aesthetic of cherishing “imperfection” is a sensibility that Japanese people have valued since ancient times.

The warmth of hand-crafted work, the texture and weight of the clay differing by region, and the changes in color that emerge with use. The fact that these elements bring deep attachment and color to daily life is why Japanese pottery is loved around the world.

The “Six Ancient Kilns of Japan” with Over 1,000 Years of History

Essential to discussing Japanese pottery are the traditional kilns that have continued since ancient times. Among them, the six representative production regions (Seto, Tokoname, Echizen, Shigaraki, Tamba, and Bizen) that have continued production for over 1,000 years from the Middle Ages to the present are called the “Nihon Rokkoyo” (Six Ancient Kilns of Japan).

These were recognized as Japan Heritage sites in 2017. Due to the nature of the clay in each land and unique firing techniques, vessels with completely different personalities are still being created today.

[Comparison] A Guide to 12 Famous Types of Japanese Pottery

Here, we will introduce 12 types of pottery that are particularly famous in modern Japan, including some of the Six Ancient Kilns. First, let’s check the location of each production region on the map.

Below, we will explain the 12 representative production regions and their characteristics in a nutshell, ordered from north to south.

Name	Prefecture	Characteristics
Mashiko Ware	Tochigi Prefecture	It has a thick, plump warmth and is practical ware that pursues functional beauty.
Kutani Ware	Ishikawa Prefecture	It is characterized by luxurious and gorgeous paintings using five colors: green, yellow, purple, dark blue, and red.
Mino Ware	Gifu Prefecture	Japan’s largest ceramic production center. It features diverse styles, ranging from traditional types to modern designs.
Seto Ware	Aichi Prefecture	One of the Six Ancient Kilns. With over 1,000 years of history, it is a pottery capital so famous that “Setomono” is used as a general term for ceramics in Japan.
Banko Ware	Mie Prefecture	Characterized by heat-resistant purple clay, it boasts top-class market share in Japan as a production center for teapots and earthenware cooking pots.
Shigaraki Ware	Shiga Prefecture	One of the Six Ancient Kilns. Characterized by coarse clay, it is also known in Japan as the production center for the “Tanuki (raccoon dog) statues” often placed at shop entrances.
Tamba Ware	Hyogo Prefecture	One of the Six Ancient Kilns. The “natural glaze” created by pine wood ash falling and melting onto the vessels during firing creates unique scenery.
Bizen Ware	Okayama Prefecture	One of the Six Ancient Kilns. Fired at high temperatures without glaze, one can enjoy the rustic texture of the clay itself.
Hagi Ware	Yamaguchi Prefecture	Soft and absorbent, it is loved by tea masters because the color changes as tea seeps in with use.
Koishiwara Ware	Fukuoka Prefecture	It is characterized by a technique called “Tobikanna” (chatter marks), where a pattern is created by applying a blade tip while rotating the potter’s wheel.
Arita Ware	Saga Prefecture	Japan’s first porcelain. It is graceful ware featuring delicate paintings in vivid blue or red on a translucent white base.
Hasami Ware	Nagasaki Prefecture	Despite having 400 years of history, it is high in design and modern, making it popular among young people as daily tableware for the modern age.

Which Pottery Has the Highest Market Share in Japan?

Among these many production regions, the one that boasts the No. 1 production volume in Japan (over 50% market share) is “Mino Ware” (Gifu Prefecture).

Durable, easy to use, and with diverse designs that suit all kinds of cuisine, it continues to support Japanese dining tables.

Pottery is an indispensable daily necessity in our everyday lives, as well as a craft that adds color to our daily routine and enriches our spirits. We hope you use this article as a reference to enjoy a lifestyle with Japanese pottery.

View the Mino Ware Collection to Color Your Daily Life