Tokoname ware

Natural glaze ware jar from the 12th century Heian period (excavated at Ise, Mie, kept at the Tokyo National Museum)

Coil-built stoneware with ash glaze from the 14th century Kamakura period (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)

Tokoname ware refers to a type of Japanese pottery, stoneware, and ceramics produced in and around the village of Tokoname, Aichi in central Japan. Tokoname was the location of one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan.

History

Pottery made in Tokoname dates back to the 12th century. During the Heian period, what are now called Tokoname ware were already part of daily life. Towards the end of the Edo period in the late 19th century, Koie Hokyu completed a chambered "climbing kiln" (nobori-gama). His son Koie Hoei established the reputation of modern Tokoname ware. He laid the foundations for earthenware pipe making and introduced the redware for which the town became renowned.

The construction of the Meitetsu Tokoname Line in the Meiji era encouraged production and provided transportation for the increasing tile production during the Taisho era.

The traditions of the pottery craftware have been kept alive by generations of potters. In 1998, third-generation potter Yamada Jozan was named a National Living Treasure, after being recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Asset for making small pouring vessels. In January 2007, Tokoname was officially protected as a local brand.

Products that Tokoname is renowned for today are wind chimes, redware tea pots, shochu servers and tea incense burners.

Climbing kiln

Of about 60 climbing kilns that formerly operated in Tokoname, only the Toei kiln remains in 2013. In use from around 1887 to 1974, it is the biggest climbing kiln in Japan. It has eight firing chambers running a 17° incline and ten chimneys of varying height.

External links

Media related to Tokoname ware at Wikimedia Commons