Hagi ware (Hagi-yaki) is known among traditional Japanese pottery for its rustic, warm texture and unique beauty called “Nanabake” (seven transformations) that develops through use.
This article details Hagi ware’s history, characteristics, and unique production process. We also introduce ways to enjoy Hagi ware’s increasing appeal through use and incorporation into modern life. Learning about Hagi ware’s appeal might help make your daily life a bit more special.
What is Hagi Ware? Traditional Craft Beloved by Tea Masters
Hagi ware is traditional pottery produced primarily in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Its history dates to the early Edo period when domain lord Mori Terumoto invited Korean potters to establish official kilns near Hagi Castle.
Hagi ware’s characteristics include its rustic, warm texture and property called “Hagi no Nanabake” where color and texture change with use. This occurs as fine cracks (crazing) develop on vessel surfaces, absorbing tea and sake to develop unique character.
Ranked “first Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu,” Hagi ware is highly valued in tea ceremony. Tea masters have long cherished its simple, elegant beauty.
Today, many kilns continue producing pieces suited to modern life while preserving tradition. Hagi ware remains beloved by many as Japanese traditional craft with long history and unique appeal.
History and Origins of Hagi Ware
Hagi ware is traditional Japanese pottery passed down around Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Beginning over 400 years ago, while establishing its position in tea ceremony implements, its unique appeal gains renewed appreciation in modern times.
Here we explain Hagi ware’s historical background, relationship with tea ceremony, and modern developments.
Origins and Historical Background of Hagi Ware
Hagi ware’s origins trace to 1592 during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Korean campaign. Then-Hagi domain lord Mori Terumoto invited Korean potter brothers Lee Shakko and Lee Kei, establishing official kilns in 1604 (Keicho 9). This marks Hagi ware’s beginning.
Initially, Hagi ware strongly reflected Korean high-fired tea bowls’ influence, following their techniques and forms. Particularly, its rustic, warm texture received high appreciation from tea masters.
During the Edo period, it earned the ranking “first Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu” establishing its position in tea ceramics. This evaluation strengthened when Hagi merchant Kumagai Goichi invited the 11th Senke Soshitsu head of Omotesenke to Yamaguchi in 1875, leading many disciples to join Omotesenke.
However, entering the Meiji period, Hagi ware faced temporary decline due to political changes like the abolition of domains, modernization, and mass-produced goods’ rise. Nevertheless, through potters’ efforts to preserve tradition, it revived from Taisho through Showa periods, with new kilns increasing. Unique techniques and designs continue to present day.
Relationship Between Tea Ceremony Culture and Hagi Ware
Hagi ware has maintained deep connections with tea ceremony since its inception. Particularly used for tea implements like tea bowls and water containers, its rustic, warm texture has been beloved by tea practitioners. Hagi ware’s characteristics of “crazing” (glaze cracks) and “Nanabake” (color changes through use) resonate with tea ceremony’s wabi-sabi spirit.
Also, during the Meiji period, Hagi merchant Kumagai Goichi invited Omotesenke’s 11th generation Senke Soshitsu to Yamaguchi, where many disciples joined Omotesenke. Through this exchange, the ranking “first Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu” spread, further elevating Hagi ware’s position in tea implements.
Even today, Hagi ware maintains high regard in tea ceremony. Its unique texture and character development through use remain deeply connected to tea ceremony spirit, supported by many tea practitioners and enthusiasts.
Modern Position and Development of Hagi Ware
Modern Hagi ware shows new developments while preserving tradition. Many ceramic artists incorporate unique sensibilities and techniques, creating pieces with contemporary designs and uses. Consequently, Hagi ware is widely appreciated not only for tea implements but also daily vessels and interior decoration.
Additionally, Hagi ware techniques were selected as “Intangible Cultural Properties Requiring Documentation” under the Cultural Properties Protection Law on March 30, 1957, and designated as Traditional Craft by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on January 30, 2002. These designations officially recognize Hagi ware’s value and tradition.
Furthermore, exhibitions and workshops promoting Hagi ware’s appeal attract attention from domestic and international ceramic enthusiasts and collectors. Through these activities, Hagi ware continues adapting to contemporary lifestyles while fusing tradition with innovation.
Hagi Ware Production Process and Technical Characteristics
Hagi ware, produced primarily in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, features rustic, warm textures and color and texture changes called “Hagi no Nanabake” developing through use.
Hagi ware’s unique beauty emerges through craftsmen’s techniques and ingenuity in clay, glazes, and firing methods. Here we explain Hagi ware’s production process and techniques.
Clay Used in Hagi Ware and Its Characteristics
Hagi ware uses three clay types from around Yamaguchi Prefecture: “Daido clay,” “Mishima clay,” and “Mitake clay.” Combining these clays creates Hagi ware’s characteristic soft, warm texture. Particularly, high gravel content resists dense firing, creating rough textures.
This clay’s high water absorption allows water and tea to penetrate with use, developing unique colors and patterns on vessel surfaces. This aging process, called “Hagi no Nanabake,” makes it beloved as pottery that grows with its user.
The clay also works well with glazes, creating deep colors and soft textures through chemical reactions during firing. These clay characteristics enable Hagi ware’s “Nanabake” aging, making it cherished as pottery that develops with its user.
Manufacturing Process from Forming to Firing
Hagi ware production proceeds through forming, drying, bisque firing, and main firing stages. Generally, pieces are carefully crafted through these processes:
Forming
Mainly uses wheel throwing or hand building techniques, sometimes using molds. Carefully shapes soft clay into simple, rustic forms. This creates Hagi ware’s appeal and enhances its tea implement character.
Drying and Bisque Firing
After drying for a set period, bisque fires at 700-750°C. This process increases vessel strength and improves glaze absorption uniformity.
Glazing and Main Firing
After bisque firing, applies earth ash or straw ash glazes. Then fires at around 1200°C for extended periods, melting glazes to create unique colors and soft textures.
Climbing Kiln Firing
Hagi ware traditionally uses climbing kilns. Flames and ash affect vessels, creating different patterns and “scenery” for each piece. Firing typically takes over 24 hours, developing Hagi ware’s characteristic texture.
Thus, craftsmen’s handwork and firing techniques at each stage create Hagi ware pieces with unique individual character. Simple yet deep forms and colors are appreciated not only for tea implements but also daily vessels and interior decoration.
Hagi Ware’s Unique Glazes and Color Changes
Hagi ware primarily uses “earth ash glaze” and “straw ash glaze.” These glazes characteristically create soft white or milky-white opacity, producing subtle colors through interaction with clay during firing.
Additionally, “crazing” – fine crack patterns created by different shrinkage rates between glaze and body – creates unique surface patterns. Hagi ware offers enjoyable changes through use, with “Hagi no Nanabake” aging being one attraction.
When used for tea implements, absorbed tea changes vessel colors and patterns. This change allows users to discover new appeal through long use, sharing time with the piece – a major Hagi ware characteristic.
Thus, Hagi ware embodies unique pottery where clay, glazes, and firing techniques harmonize, its rustic deep beauty beloved across generations.
Types and Characteristic Textures of Hagi Ware
Hagi ware features rustic, warm textures, producing various vessels from tea bowls to flower vases, spanning daily use to display pieces. Its characteristic aging process is another attraction, with beauty increasing through use.
Here we explain Hagi ware’s representative types and their texture’s influence on modern lifestyles.
Representative Hagi Ware Vessels Like Tea Bowls and Flower Vases
Hagi ware is particularly valued for tea implements, known for tea bowls, water containers, and waste water containers. Tea bowls feature soft white or milky-white glazes creating warmth when held. Simple forms and unadorned beauty harmonize with tea ceremony’s wabi-sabi spirit, beloved by many tea practitioners.
Flower vessels are also important Hagi ware items. Single flower vases and vases feature understated designs enhancing flowers, highlighting natural floral beauty. Additionally, Hagi ware’s soft colors and glaze flows create unique vessel scenery, offering deep appreciation from any angle.
Recently, production includes many daily-use items like teacups, sake vessels, and tableware, with designs incorporating traditional textures gaining attention.
Beauty of “Nanabake” Aging Process
One major Hagi ware attraction is aging called “Nanabake” (seven transformations). Due to high water absorption, tea and water penetrate glaze and clay with each use, changing vessel colors and patterns. This phenomenon allows enjoyment of vessels gradually conforming to users over time – a unique characteristic among pottery.
For example, initially milky-white glazes gradually color from tea components, creating unique scenery with brownish or reddish tints. Also, liquid penetrating glaze “crazing” (fine cracks) adds new surface expressions.
Thus, Hagi ware deepens in beauty through use, becoming special vessels sharing time with users.
Incorporating Hagi Ware into Modern Lifestyles
Hagi ware attracts attention as pottery easily harmonizing with modern lifestyles through its rustic beauty and practicality. Beyond traditional tea implements, pieces incorporating modern designs like coffee cups, plates, and chopstick rests are produced, appealingly casual for daily tables and kitchens.
Hagi ware’s popularity as interior decoration is also increasing. Single flower vases and small objects match not only Japanese rooms but modern Western rooms, adding warmth and tranquility to spaces. Furthermore, simple, functional Hagi ware designs appeal to younger generations and are often appreciated as gifts.
Modern Hagi ware’s appeal lies in evolving with the times through new uses and designs while preserving tradition. Naturally blending into daily life while deepening in character through use, Hagi ware will likely continue being cherished by many.
Care and Tips for Long-Term Use of Hagi Ware
Proper care and handling suited to its characteristics are essential for enjoying Hagi ware’s beauty long-term. It’s also reassuring to know repair methods for potential cracks or chips.
Here we introduce care and usage points for long-term Hagi ware enjoyment.
Care Methods Suited to Hagi Ware’s Characteristics
With high water absorption, Hagi ware maintains beauty long-term through appropriate care.
Recommended “Mezume” Before Use
Before use, “mezume” (pore sealing) is recommended. This involves soaking vessels in rice-washing water or thin rice gruel, simmering for about 20 minutes, then leaving for 12-24 hours. This treatment fills fine clay pores, preventing dirt and stains.
Mezume particularly helps maintain vessel character when used for tea or dining ware.
Daily Care
Basic daily care involves gentle washing with soft sponge and lukewarm water. Use minimal detergent as needed, avoiding harsh scrubbing.
After washing, wipe moisture with cloth and completely dry in shade before storage. Careful to avoid storing while damp, which can cause mold and odors.
For long-term storage, wrap in newspaper or cloth and store in well-ventilated boxes or bags in low-humidity locations.
Usage Methods for Enjoying Aging
Regular use is important for enjoying Hagi ware’s “Nanabake” appeal. Used as tea implements, tea components penetrate vessels, creating color and pattern changes.
Used as sake vessels or teacups, absorbed liquids create unique scenery. This process of vessels changing through use provides special enjoyment for users.
Since Hagi ware tends to be sensitive to sudden temperature changes, avoid pouring boiling water or cold water directly. Prevent cracks and damage by careful handling, like pre-warming vessels with lukewarm water before hot drinks.
Such consideration allows long-term enjoyment of Hagi ware’s unique changes and beauty.
Repair Methods and Considerations for Cracks and Chips
Broken or chipped Hagi ware may be reusable through repair. Small chips or cracks can be fixed with ceramic adhesive. However, professional restoration is recommended for beautiful finishing and long-term use.
Traditional “kintsugi” repair is particularly popular for Hagi ware. Kintsugi joins broken pieces with lacquer and decorates with gold or silver powder. This technique transforms damaged areas into beautiful accents, adding new appeal to repaired vessels. Kintsugi-repaired vessels gain special presence different from their original state.
When reusing repaired vessels, confirm water resistance of adhesive areas and avoid sudden temperature changes. Appropriate repair allows continued cherished use of meaningful vessels.
Conclusion
Hagi ware is pottery characterized by rustic, warm textures and “Nanabake” aging that deepens character through use. Proper care and careful handling are essential for long-term enjoyment of its beauty.
Regular use while enjoying color and pattern changes is Hagi ware’s true pleasure. Handle carefully, noting sudden temperature changes. When cracks or chips occur, repair methods like kintsugi can add new beauty while enabling continued cherished use.
Hagi ware grows through daily care. Changing with user’s hands and increasingly beautiful over time, Hagi ware becomes a specially cherished piece.
