Tokoname-yaki & Seto-yaki
Tokoname city & Seto city
Aichi Prefecture boasts two major ceramic regions
The island nation of Japan developed its own culture under the influence of neighboring countries. Naturally, ceramics is one example of this, with ceramic technology introduced from China and Korea flexibly incorporated into Japan and then undergoing unique development. However, some pottery kilns have inherited an unbroken tradition, remaining true to traditional Japanese ceramic styles. Japan’s renowned “Six Ancient Kilns” —Shigaraki, Bizen, Tanba, Echizen, Seto, and Tokoname—are examples of this. Two of these kilns (Seto and Tokoname) are located in Aichi Prefecture. Among the Japanese, these areas are both strongly associated with ceramics. Let's take a look at the distinctive features of each.
The oldest of the six kilns! Tokoname pottery was used to support daily life.
As the oldest of Japan’s six ancient kilns, Tokoname has a long history. The region has been manufacturing ceramic pots and vessels since around the end of the Heian Period. In its heyday there were over 3000 kilns located in Tokoname, a seaside town on the Chita Peninsula. In many places the atmosphere of that time still remains, and the walking tour of pottery and kilns known as Yakimono Sampomichi (the Pottery Promenade) is popular in Tokoname. It has numerous great photography spots, including a wall decorated with pots and the huge beckoning cat known as Tokonyan. The Tokoname Store, established in a converted warehouse, is also recommended. The store sells ceramic wares, organizes hands-on pottery workshops, and also has a cafe serving coffee etc.
Cultivated over a 1000-year history, Seto-yaki glazing techniques continue to shine.
Seto-yaki ceramics are produced in the inland city of Seto in Aichi Prefecture. Just like Tokoname, pottery has flourished here since the Heian era. The biggest difference from Tokoname-yaki is that Seto-yaki uses a fine pottery glaze. There are several types of Seto-yaki—Akatsu-yaki is one popular technique requiring skillful and selective use of seven glazes. Another style typical of Seto-yaki is Sometsuke blue and white porcelain. This style, which flourished in the late Edo period, is characterized by patterns drawn on white porcelain in a blue pigment called zaffer (gosu). Although these were luxury items in ancient times, we are lucky that nowadays this kind of pottery can be acquired for everyday use.
For reference
Tokoname Store
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- Address
- 6-70-2 Haramatsu-cho, Tokoname-shi, Aichi-ken
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- Telephone
- 0569-36-0655
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- Opening hours
- 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
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- Website
- http://www.tokonamestore.com/
Access
- Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 1-hour flight from Haneda Airport.
- Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 100-minute flight from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport.
- Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 75-minute flight from Sendai Airport.
- Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 65-minute flight from Matsuyama Airport.
- Tokoname Station is 3 minutes from Central Japan International Airport Station. Tokoname Store is a 10-minute walk from Tokoname Station.
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