萩焼 Hagi-yaki
Hagi ware is pottery fired in the Hagi area of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Some kilns are also located in Nagato and Yamaguchi. Hagi ware fired in Nagato is specifically called Fukagawa Hagi. Hagi ware is characterized by its unique texture, with almost no decoration, making the most of the properties of the material, and no two pieces are the same.
The individuality of the ceramics is expressed by utilizing the cracks that appear when the glaze expands and contracts, the surface changes that occur with use, known as "nanabake," and changes that occur during firing, such as "yakihen." After years of use, tea and alcohol will seep into the surface, causing the color of the surface to change and show a seasoned flavor.
Hagi ware is also known for its pottery that has been producing vessels that suit the tastes of tea masters since ancient times, so much so that the saying goes, "First Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu." Hagi ware uses a clay body that is a mixture of Daido clay, Mishima clay, and Mitake clay. These clays have little hardening when fired and have excellent heat retention, which, combined with their good texture, makes them popular for enjoying tea.
The individuality of the ceramics is expressed by utilizing the cracks that appear when the glaze expands and contracts, the surface changes that occur with use, known as "nanabake," and changes that occur during firing, such as "yakihen." After years of use, tea and alcohol will seep into the surface, causing the color of the surface to change and show a seasoned flavor.
Hagi ware is also known for its pottery that has been producing vessels that suit the tastes of tea masters since ancient times, so much so that the saying goes, "First Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu." Hagi ware uses a clay body that is a mixture of Daido clay, Mishima clay, and Mitake clay. These clays have little hardening when fired and have excellent heat retention, which, combined with their good texture, makes them popular for enjoying tea.
List of artists/makers
Ceramicist
岡田 泰
Okada Yasushi
After majoring in sculpture at Tokyo Zokei University and studying ceramics in Kyoto, he studied under his father, Yutaka, a Yamaguchi Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property. He created his own unique work, called Tanseiyu, inspired by the beautiful Sea of Japan in Hagi.
Ceramicist
伴 善雄
Yoshio Ban
After studying design in Tokyo, he trained in pottery in Kyoto, and is currently based in Hagi. Inspired by his admiration for the sky, he creates works with cloud motifs, as well as traditional Hagi confectionery utensils. His pottery, which conveys his gentle and earnest personality, is gaining in popularity.
Ceramicist
伴 裕子
Hiroko Ban
After studying design in Tokyo, he trained in Hagi, where he continues to work today. His diverse works include colored glaze pieces, gold and silver painted pieces, the Town Series, and the Seed Series, and he creates iconic pieces that are instantly recognizable as his work.