KASAMA Yaki (Pottery) is said to have originated in the mid-Edo period when craftsmen in Hakoda (now part of Kasama City) fired kilns under the guidance of SHIGARAKI Yaki (Pottery) ware potters. It received protection and encouragement from the domain until the Kasama Domain was abolished in the Meiji era.
From its inception until around the 1940s, KASAMA Yaki (Pottery) primarily produced kitchenware such as bottles and mortars. However, the types of products produced gradually changed, and nowadays, tableware, vases, and decorative objects are among the items made.

• Technology/techniques/raw materials

  Technology/techniques/raw materials

  Technology/techniques

  1. The molding shall be done by wheel throwing, mold making, or hand-building.

   

  2. When applying patterns to the base material, the methods used shall be decorative coating, brushwork, carving, slip carving, slip trailing, stamping, or application.

   

  3. When applying underglaze decoration, the method shall be line drawing, blurring, slip trailing, or painting. In this case, the pigments shall be "cobalt blue pigment," "iron pigment," "amber pigment," or "copper pigment."

   

  4. Glazing shall be done by dipping, pouring, brushing, cylindrical glazing, combing, or scraping. In this case, the glaze shall be "persimmon glaze," "plain white glaze," "black glaze," "green glaze," "blue glaze," "amber glaze," "rice bran white glaze," "sea cucumber glaze," or "Irabo glaze."

   

  raw materials

  The clay used shall be "Kasama clay," "Kaerume clay," or clay of equivalent quality.

• Work scene

  Work scene

  KASAMA Yaki (Pottery) that creates warm and inviting products one by one. Here, we introduce the process of KASAMA Yaki (Pottery).

  Process 1: Original soil mining

  They excavate clay that has been buried underground in mountains and fields. Kasama clay, Kaerume clay, Takahagi Kaerume clay, and Kitaibaraki soft clay are among the types used.

  Step 2: Clay preparation

  The excavated clay is left outdoors for a while, then mixed with water and kneaded to make clay. There are two methods of clay production: elutriation, and clay production using thrommills and filter presses.

  Step 3: Chrysanthemum pressing process

  Knead the dough by hand like chrysanthemum petals, removing air and ensuring even moisture distribution.

  Process 4: Molding process (shaping)

  There are several shaping methods, including wheel throwing (technique 1: cutting, 2: ball making, 3: cutting and turning, 4: joining), mold making (technique 1: molding method, 2: mold making method), and hand-shaping (technique 1: twisting out, 2: coil making, 3: plate making). Various shapes are created using these methods.

  Step 5: Surface decoration process

  The base material is processed using methods such as mud application, brushwork, carving, slip-plane technique, raised decoration (ittchin), and pattern application (stamping, pasting).

  Process 6: Drying process

  Even drying is ensured to prevent distortion and cracking caused by uneven drying. Methods include shade drying, sun drying, and hot air drying (artificial).

  Process 7: Bisque firing process

  The well-dried products are placed in a kiln and bisque-fired for approximately 10 to 15 hours at 700 to 800 degrees Celsius to make them easier to glaze and handle.

  Process 8: Underpainting process

  After firing, paints and glazes are applied to the unglazed pieces using brushes or other tools to create underpaintings. Other methods include applying a slip (a clay-like mixture) to the surface while the glaze is still semi-dry, or scraping patterns onto the surface of the clay using metal scraping tools, or attaching patterns. There is also a decorative method where overglaze is applied to the finished product and fired at 800 degrees Celsius.

  Step 9: Glazing process (applying glaze)

  After firing, the bisque-fired products are coated with glaze (black glaze, white matte glaze, ash glaze, milky white glaze, etc.). Glazing methods include dipping, pouring, brushing, cylindrical glazing, combing, and scraping, and most of the work is done by hand.

  Process 10: Honyaki process

  The glazed semi-finished products are placed in a climbing kiln, gas kiln, electric kiln, or kerosene kiln and fired for approximately 20 hours at a temperature of 1250 to 1300 degrees Celsius.

  Process 11: Finishing and Inspection Process

  Each product that has been removed from the kiln has its bottom smoothed and is inspected for cracks and other defects before being considered a finished product.

• Close-up

  Close-up

  KASAMA Yaki (Pottery) A harmonious blend of tradition and a free spirit.

  KASAMA Yaki (Pottery) boasts a tradition dating back to the An'ei era of the Edo period (1772-1781). It's not just the techniques that have been passed down; a deep respect for the clay, an unwavering spirit of research, and the joy of creation have also been inherited. Using primarily reddish-brown clay, they continue to produce uniquely warm and inviting products.

   

  Tradition, and the free and open atmosphere based on it.

  During the An'ei era of the Edo period, Han'emon Kuno of Hakoda Village (present-day Kasama City) began making pottery under the guidance of Chōemon, a potter from Shigaraki. His son-in-law, Seibei, inherited the kiln built by Han'emon, and together with Chōemon's younger brother, Yoshisaburo, they developed the pottery that continues to this day. This is the origin of KASAMA Yaki (Pottery). KASAMA Yaki (Pottery) has a tradition and history that has been passed down from master to apprentice and from parent to child for over 200 years, yet surprisingly, there are almost no formal forms or rigid customs. This free spirit continues to produce new works full of individuality within the tradition, and many young potters are active. You don't hear any complaints about a shortage of successors in KASAMA Yaki (Pottery). This time, we spoke with one of the young potters, Akio Nukaga.

  

  Akio Nukaga, who owns one of the artworks.

  Thoughtfulness towards our customers

  I had heard that Kasama ware has a free-spirited atmosphere and many young ceramic artists, so I had pictured ceramic artists with strong creative sensibilities and artistic temperaments. However, that preconception crumbled the moment I met Mr. Nukaga. "I aim to create works with a good atmosphere and works that are easy for customers to use." Not only does he have an artistic sense, but since his works are meant to be used by customers, they should be approachable and easy to use. Mr. Nukaga holds this belief, and his creations, like him, have a soft warmth. And they are also incredibly comfortable to use. When I picked up the coffee cup, I was immediately impressed by how well it fit. I had never encountered a coffee cup that felt so right before. KASAMA Yaki (Pottery) produces many everyday items such as tableware, vases, and coffee cups, and his thoughtful consideration for customers, without being pushy, is the true essence of KASAMA Yaki (Pottery).

  

  A coffee cup made by Mr. Nukaga that fits perfectly in the hand.

  Tradition is the mother of creativity.

  Even with its emphasis on freedom, the nearly 200-year-old tradition is firmly upheld. This free-spirited atmosphere does not destroy tradition; on the contrary, it serves as a great source of energy for its continuation. Ms. Nukaga, too, uses the history and works of KASAMA Yaki (Pottery) as a source of inspiration for her new creations by reflecting on them herself. The pain of creating something new constantly plagues ceramic artists, and at such times, what supports them is the presence of their customers and the tradition that has been passed down through generations.

  Let's go to Kasama.

  Kasama is a town famous for its pottery. Within Kasama city, there are numerous galleries where you can easily enjoy the diverse world of KASAMA Yaki (Pottery). From affordable pieces suitable for everyday use to more formal works, you'll find everything from cute patterns and rustic designs to stylish pieces perfect for special occasions. The variety and individuality are truly remarkable. Renting a bicycle at Kasama Station and leisurely exploring the galleries is a great idea. A short trip to the outskirts will allow you to enjoy the fresh air and birdsong of nature, and there are also many tourist attractions. For those who want to experience KASAMA Yaki (Pottery) more deeply, Kasama Art Forest Park is a good choice. It features the Ibaraki Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum, which houses a diverse collection of works, and Kasama Craft Hill, where you can experience pottery making.

  

  Morinaga, captivated by Nukaga's work and personality, is training under him.

  Craftsman Profile

  ​Tadahiro Ohya

  Born in 1963.
  I became interested in pottery while attending Tokyo Zokei University.
  We continue to create products with ease of use, a pleasant atmosphere, and with consideration for our customers.

  Anecdotes

  The World of KASAMA Yaki (Pottery)

   

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    Kleingarten, a residential community garden, opened in Kasama City in 2001.