What is Okayama Prefecture’s traditional craft “Bizen Pottery”?

Birth and history of Bizen Pottery

The roots of Bizen Pottery date back to the Kofun period. The manufacturing method for Sueki changed, and it settled into its current form from the Kamakura period to the Momoyama period.

Because it is hard and hard to break, it is used in many tea utensils and tea pottery, and is very popular as a daily necessities for the common people. It was designated as a national traditional craft in 1982 and is still popular today.
Additionally, in April 2017, it was certified as a Japan Heritage site as ``Six Ancient Kilns You Will Fall in Love with - A production area for pottery born and raised in Japan.''

Imbe, the production area of ​​Bizen Pottery

A typical production area for Bizen Pottery is the Imbe district of Bizen City, located in the southeastern part of Okayama Prefecture, where there are many pottery shops and pottery shops of Bizen Pottery artists.
To access the Imbe area, take the Ako Line from JR Okayama Station for about 40 minutes and get off at JR Imbe Station.

Most potteries and facilities related to Bizen Pottery are within walking distance from JR Imbe Station, so you can easily go anywhere.
Why not enjoy visiting various workshops and finding your favorite pottery?

Imbe (Bizen Pottery Village)

705-0001 Ibe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture

There are shops displaying Bizen ware, which has a unique earthy taste and a calm atmosphere, reminiscent of the past, as well as brick chim...

Characteristics of Bizen Pottery

Bizen Pottery is an extremely simple pottery that does not use any glazes (chemicals applied to the surface of unglazed ceramics) and does not require any painting.
It is fired at a high temperature of 1,200 to 1,300 degrees, and the patterns are created by the properties of the clay, how it is packed into the kiln, changes in the temperature of the kiln, and the ash and charcoal during firing. The charm of handmade products is that no two pieces are the same color or pattern, and the more you use it, the more the taste increases.

Characteristic of Bizen Pottery “Kiln change”

Kiln change is a change in color that occurs in a piece inside the kiln, and when Bizen Pottery is fired in a kiln, a unique earthy color appears. This is the crossroads that brings out the charm of Bizen Pottery.
The color and pattern of the baked item will change depending on where it is placed in the kiln and the firing conditions.
Please take a look and find your favorite pattern.

Goma

The pine wood used to fire the kiln turns into ash, which adheres to the work, creating a pattern that resembles sprinkled sesame seeds, hence the name ``sesame.'' Nowadays, works are sometimes coated with ashes before they are baked, as if sesame seeds are intentionally sprinkled on them. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including white and yellow.

Sangiri

``Zan'' used in the word ``Sakiri'' refers to the wall of a kiln. Ash tends to accumulate on walls, and if you place your work there, it will be buried in the ash. The parts that are not exposed to direct fire begin to smoke and undergo chemical changes, changing from a unique gray-blue to blackish-brown color.

Hidasuki

It is called scarlet because it has a bright red (scarlet) color that resembles a sash.
The true identity of this pattern is rice straw. Originally, the pieces were wrapped in straw to prevent them from sticking to each other when being put in the kiln, but this came to be used as a pattern.
The sash-like pattern of red, brown, and vermilion lines on the light brown base makes it even more appealing.

Bizen Pottery Festival

*Held every year on the third Sunday of October and the Saturday before that.

This is a major town-wide event that attracts over 100,000 people from all over the country every year, as you can purchase works by Bizen Pottery artists at a 20% discount, as well as bargain and outlet items.

The roads around JR Imbe Station will be turned into a pedestrian paradise, and not only will you be able to purchase various types of Bizen Pottery, but there will also be plenty of events to enjoy, such as a flame festival, potter's wheel dancing, and local gourmet food.