Jun 24, 2013 - 1 min read

Kokujiyaki

Generous helpings of Kuji clay for pottery enthusiasts

Community writer

Excavated clay raw materials awaiting processing.

A stone impurity found in the clay raw material.

A mixer used to dissolve the clay in water.

A press used to extract water from the filtered clay, producing clay sheets.

The clay sheets are placed in a mixer to produce cylindrical blocks. After further kneeding by hand to remove inconsistencies in the softness and hardness of the clay, it can be used in pottery making.

Modern and old pottery on display inside the main building.

Two jars dating from the Edo period with a unique glaze.

A traditional 'noborigama', 'climbing kiln' that is no longer in use.

Cups before and after firing.

Raw pink colored teabowls awaiting firing.

Clay glaze solution in a bucket. Pottery to be glazed is dipped in the bucket, or else painted with the glaze.

A drying machine used for drying pottery prior to firing.

Small tubs containing different colored glazes.

Soft and smooth manipulation of the raw clay into beautiful shaped tableware.

Classic designs of Kokujiyaki.

Main shop where visitors can buy attractive Kokujiyaki ware.

Pottery is a daily part of the lives of many Japanese people since its forms such as cups, bowls, jars and teapots are readily useable. The Kokujiyaki workshops, located in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, have been producing high quality pottery since the Edo period. Kokujiyaki pottery is still manufactured using a traditional method and has a characteristic appearance. Why not learn about how Kokujiyaki is made, take your pick from the many beautiful items on display in the on-site shop, or even try your hand on the potter's wheel?

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Sarashanti

By Sarashanti

Community writer

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