Japan has a rich tradition of designing, unique and artistic ceramics.
Japanese pottery has been developed in close relation to other forms of Japanese culture . Tea ceremonies are one of them.
The oldest pottery dates from Jomon period is about 10000 to 300 BC. There are four main types of pottery - earthenware, unglazed stoneware, glazed pottery and porcelain.
There are many kinds of pottery and porcelain styles such as Arita-yaki, Kutani-yaki, Mashiko-yaki, Bizen-yaki, Tokoname-yaki, Imari, Shigaraki-yaki, Kiyomizu-yaki, Raku-yaki, Oribe, Hagi-yaki, Mino-yaki, seto-yaki and more.... Each one has its own special qualities and character.
Mashiko-yaki is my favorite. It is made in Mashiko(Tochigi) which is close to my home town. It has a simple and rustic style. Pottery has been made since jomon era, but modern mashiko dates only around 1850.
I also like Shigaraki-yaki in Shiga. It was originated around the 12th Century.
The famous Shigaraki-yaki thing is Tanuki.(racoon dogs).
In Japanese lore, Tanuki has supernatural powers and brings good luck.
You don't need to have knowledge to enjoy Japanese pottery(porcelain). You can use beautiful pottery in your daily life easily - just for decoration, as incense burner, candle holder, flower base with some rocks,etc...
Japanese pottery shops
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