Japan’s Pottery & Ceramics Center
In a land of pottery lovers, Aichi Prefecture in central Japan is home to two of the country’s Six Ancient Kilns, pottery production centers that have been making earthenwares since medieval times. Both Seto, about 40 minutes northeast of Nagoya Station by car, and Tokoname, 40 minutes due south on the Chita Peninsula, reward the casual stroller with atmospheric backstreets where ceramic studios abound, and property walls are decorated with relics of the bustling ceramic trade that has continued in each place for centuries.
Seto kilns were already firing glazed ceramics as early as the twelfth century. Today, potters here produce a diverse range of pottery, and can meet just about any design or technical challenge. In fact, the word setomono, literally “wares from Seto,” is the generic term for ceramic ware in Japanese.
For the visitor to Seto, highlights include the traditional Ichirizuka Hongyo climbing kiln, the Seto Blue and White Ceramics Center for its classes in painting porcelainware, the Seto Ceramics and Glass Art Center featuring the work of resident artists, and Maruichi Kokubu Shouten, a one-stop emporium for traditional and modern styles of locally made pottery. The Seto-gura Museum is a good place to learn about the history of Seto ware and how it is made, and no visit would be complete without a stroll along the Kamagaki no Komichi footpath shown above. Even today, there are many studios which keep on creating various art pieces. Have a relaxing moment in this historical town and experience pottery making to feel the alluring art of Japanese ceramic works.
Seto kilns were already firing glazed ceramics as early as the twelfth century. Today, potters here produce a diverse range of pottery, and can meet just about any design or technical challenge. In fact, the word setomono, literally “wares from Seto,” is the generic term for ceramic ware in Japanese.
For the visitor to Seto, highlights include the traditional Ichirizuka Hongyo climbing kiln, the Seto Blue and White Ceramics Center for its classes in painting porcelainware, the Seto Ceramics and Glass Art Center featuring the work of resident artists, and Maruichi Kokubu Shouten, a one-stop emporium for traditional and modern styles of locally made pottery. The Seto-gura Museum is a good place to learn about the history of Seto ware and how it is made, and no visit would be complete without a stroll along the Kamagaki no Komichi footpath shown above. Even today, there are many studios which keep on creating various art pieces. Have a relaxing moment in this historical town and experience pottery making to feel the alluring art of Japanese ceramic works.
