Agano ware is a traditional Japanese pottery fired primarily in Fukuchi Town, Tagawa District, Fukuoka Prefecture, characterized by the serene beauty of celadon. Nurtured through deep connections with tea ceremony culture, Agano ware is beloved by many tea masters and craft collectors as pottery that symbolizes “the beauty of tranquility” through its modest and elegant presence.
This article provides comprehensive coverage from the birth of Agano ware to the present day, including its history, the techniques and aesthetic principles embedded in the works, and information about kiln tours you can enjoy.
Table of Contents
What is Agano Ware? History and Origins of 400 Years of Tradition
The traditional craft “Agano ware” representing Fukuchi Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a ceramic with approximately 400 years of history that has achieved unique development deeply connected to tea ceremony culture. Today, it is designated as both a national traditional craft and prefectural intangible cultural property, with its cultural and artistic value highly evaluated both domestically and internationally.
Below, we will provide detailed introductions to its historical background, artistic characteristics, and journey to the present day.
Korean Potter Origins Beginning as Kuroda Domain Official Kiln
The origins of Agano ware began in 1602 when Kokura domain lord Hosokawa Tadaoki (Sansai) invited Korean potter Sonkai to establish a kiln in what is now Ueno, Fukuchi Town. Sonkai changed his name to “Ueno Kizo Takakuni” and created pottery centered on tea utensils using Japanese clay and glazes.
The Korean ceramic techniques he brought merged with Japanese tea ceremony culture, forming Agano ware’s unique style. Even after the Hosokawa family moved to Kumamoto, the Kuroda domain inherited and protected this kiln as an official kiln, continuing the transmission of techniques and culture.
Through the intersection of Korean potters’ technical skills and Japanese aesthetic principles rooted in tea ceremony, Agano ware became highly valued not only as practical items but also as works of art. Even today, Agano ware retains strong traces of Korean ceramics, with this historical background living and breathing in each individual work.
The “Celadon Glaze” and Wabi Aesthetics Beloved by Edo Tea Masters
Essential to discussing Agano ware glazes is the copper-green glaze (commonly called: Agano blue glaze) that develops color using copper oxide. When applied to the body, it displays a wide range of color tones from pale blue-green to deep jade, with the charm of transparency that subtly shifts depending on viewing angle and light.
This blue-green beauty, originating from Korean potter techniques connected to Goryeo celadon, was brought by potters who came to Ueno, Fukuoka in the early Edo period. Combined with Agano ware’s unique “thin construction and high foot” vessel forms, it was sublimated into the wabi-sabi aesthetic treasured in tea ceremony. During the Edo period, Agano ware was counted as one of the “Enshu Seven Kilns” by Kobori Enshu and highly valued in the tea ceremony world.
Tea bowls, flower vases, and water jars in particular develop deeper character with use and have been considered important tools expressing spirituality for tea masters. The smooth texture of celadon glaze and the style that makes use of clay’s natural character possess deep dignity within restrained beauty, truly embodying “beauty of use.”
Additionally, with high freedom in forming and subtle color variations in the same glaze depending on firing conditions, no two works are identical. This element of chance is also one of Agano ware’s attractions.
Path to National Traditional Craft Designation and Fukuoka Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property
After the Meiji Restoration, Agano ware temporarily faced a crisis of decline due to loss of domain protection, but revival was advanced through the efforts of local supporters and potters. From the Showa period, support from educational institutions and regional administration became full-scale, leading to designation as a national traditional craft in 1983.
Furthermore, through recognition as Fukuoka Prefecture intangible cultural property, its cultural value became widely acknowledged. Currently, over 20 kilns are scattered throughout Agano ware production areas, creating not only tea utensils but also tableware and interior products suited to modern life.
These products are handled in department stores and galleries nationwide, receiving high evaluation both domestically and internationally. Additionally, “Agano Ware Festivals” are held every spring and autumn, attracting many tourists and enthusiasts as venues for direct interaction with artisans. The ability to maintain tradition while flexibly meeting contemporary needs can be said to be the secret to Agano ware’s enduring popularity.
What Makes Agano Ware Attractive?
The beauty of Agano ware lies not merely in old traditions but in the texture and changing expressions felt with each use. Particularly in details such as glaze expressions, forming techniques, and decorative diversity, the reasons for its continued love over many years are concentrated.
Here, we focus on three representative attractions: the transparent color of glazes, the tactile sensation when holding vessels, and diverse decorative techniques.
Transparent Copper-Green Glaze and “After Rain” Colors Created by Kiln Changes
The “copper-green glaze” that can be called Agano ware’s signature produces various color tones from pale blue-green to deep green through firing with copper-containing glazes. This glaze is characterized by “kiln changes” where colors subtly vary depending on oxygen levels and temperature changes in the kiln during firing, meaning no two works exist with identical color tones even with the same glaze.
This element of chance gives Agano ware pieces unique character and depth. Particularly in the technique called “copper-green flowing,” the glaze is applied in flowing patterns, creating beautiful expressions on vessels like natural scenes after rain. Such glaze applications contribute to Agano ware’s diverse expressions and possess beauty that harmonizes with contemporary living spaces.
Secrets of Thin Construction’s Wheel Marks and Soft Touch
Another characteristic of Agano ware lies in its thin construction and lightness. Considering its use as tea utensils, the pursuit of lightness when held and pleasant mouthfeel resulted in extremely thin forming.
Achieving this thin construction requires advanced wheel techniques, and artisans undergo years of training. Additionally, vessel surfaces retain “wheel marks” – traces from wheel forming – which create the soft, familiar touch. Furthermore, the clay used is high-quality local pottery clay, giving fired vessels unique warmth and character.
Thus, Agano ware’s thin construction and pleasant touch are supported by artisan techniques and material selection, providing users with comfortable usability.
Three Decorative Techniques Adorning Agano Ware
The decoration of Agano ware, while based on simple tea pottery traditions, is diverse. Kilns and museums particularly highlight three techniques as “the face of Agano ware”: copper-green flowing, slip application, and sgraffito.
Copper-Green Flowing
A technique of boldly dripping copper-containing copper-green glaze from around the foot and incorporating the flow trajectory directly into the scenery. Depending on firing atmosphere and thick application degree, colors change from pale celadon to jade and sea-pine colors, giving vessels movement and depth. The copper-green flowing seen today was established after glaze preparation developed during the Ogasawara domain period and is the most popular expression characterizing Agano ware.
Slip Application
A method of applying white slip to the body, creating a soft milky white ground, used since the early Edo period. By layering white slip over Agano ware’s thin porcelain body, the contrast with blue glaze and brush mark movements become prominent, creating elegant and warm texture.
Sgraffito
A technique of carving patterns before the slip-applied surface completely dries, using bamboo spatulas to make designs emerge. Characterized by delicacy in carving flowers, birds, and geometric patterns with fine lines, recent young artists like Shuyo describe “breathing new life into vessels through sgraffito,” spreading new interpretations.
These three techniques inherit Agano ware traditions while creating individually distinctive scenery, producing diverse works that resonate with contemporary sensibilities. The randomness created by copper-green glaze flow, the gentle skin texture brought by slip, and the delicate patterns drawn by sgraffito lines all result from the fusion of techniques cultivated over 400 years of history with makers’ creativity.
Representative Vessel Types and Design Variations of Agano Ware
Agano ware, having developed as tea utensils, is particularly known for traditional vessel types like tea bowls and water jars, but today creates diverse items including plates and mugs suitable for daily use, as well as interior objects and lighting shades.
The designs range widely from simple pieces embodying the wabi-sabi spirit to modern styles matching contemporary living spaces, with the joy of choosing according to purpose and preference being one of its attractions.
Tea Pottery Royalty: Enjoying Wabi with Tea Bowls, Water Jars, and Flower Vases
Agano ware is highly valued as tea utensils, with tea bowls, water jars, and flower vases being particularly representative vessel types. Tea bowls are characterized by pale blue-green glazes and simple character utilizing wheel marks, embodying the spirit of tea ceremony.
Water jars often feature substantial designs using iron or copper-green glazes, bringing tranquility to tea settings. Flower vases, whether imitating natural forms or simple cylindrical types, possess modest beauty that enhances flowers. These vessels harmonize with tea ceremony’s “wabi-sabi” aesthetic and enrich users’ hearts.
Modern Lines of Plates & Mugs Coloring Daily Life
Recently, Agano ware has gained attention as daily-use pottery. Modern designs like plates and mugs pursue usability matching contemporary lifestyles while utilizing traditional techniques. For example, Koshin Kiln’s “Ink and Snow” series mugs have simple yet distinctive presence, bringing refined atmosphere to daily dining tables.
Additionally, oval plates are designed for multiple uses including breakfast, lunch, and desserts, elegantly enhancing dining tables. These vessels offer the charm of familiar warmth and character that increases with use, allowing people to experience Agano ware’s beauty in daily life.
Objects and Lighting Shades that Elevate Interior Spaces
Agano ware receives high evaluation not only as vessels but also as interior items. Particularly, objects and lamp shades are popular items that bring unique atmosphere to spaces.
For example, Koshin Kiln’s lamp shades feature dark brown pottery with wave-like comb patterns, designed to blend with various spaces regardless of Japanese or Western style. Additionally, Shoryu Kiln’s lamp shade exhibitions display works utilizing the beauty of light and shadow, communicating new attractions of Agano ware. These interior items are works fusing Agano ware’s traditional techniques with contemporary sensibilities, adding refined accents to homes.
Usage Precautions and Care Guide for Long-term Agano Ware Use
To use Agano ware for a long time, it’s important to pay attention to pre-use preparation, daily care, and storage methods. Below, we introduce specific care methods based on Agano ware’s characteristics.
How to Protect Clay Surface with Sealing and Water Soaking Before First Use
Since Agano ware is pottery with microscopic pores in the body, performing “sealing” before use can prevent stain and odor absorption, making vessels last longer. Sealing methods include using rice washing water or water with dissolved potato starch.
Specifically, place enough rice washing water to submerge the vessel in a pot, immerse the vessel and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, then let it cool naturally before removing the vessel, wash away surface sliminess, and dry thoroughly. This process seals the vessel’s pores, preventing stain and odor absorption.
Additionally, “water soaking” – immersing vessels in water before use – is also effective, as providing moisture to vessels makes food juices and oils less likely to absorb.
Direct Fire, Microwave, Dishwasher: OK or NG?
Since Agano ware is pottery, direct fire use should be avoided. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking or breakage. Regarding microwave use, vessels without overglaze painting, gold, or silver decoration are generally usable, but it’s important to follow vessel instructions or manufacturer guidelines.
Particularly when metal decorations are present, avoid microwave use. Regarding dishwasher use, vessels are prone to chipping from contact with other dishes, so hand washing is recommended. Using soft sponges and neutral detergents with gentle washing is key to making vessels last longer.
Stain Prevention for Copper-Green Glaze and White Slip
Agano ware’s characteristic glazes – copper-green glaze and white slip – have attractive beautiful colors but can stain easily. Particularly, food juices and oils absorb easily, so performing “water soaking” before use by immersing vessels in water can prevent stain absorption.
Additionally, washing immediately after use to remove stains is important. For stubborn stains, diluted dish bleach can be used, but since discoloration may occur depending on vessel decoration or glazes, testing on inconspicuous areas before use is recommended.
Daily Care with Gentle Washing Using Sponges and Neutral Detergents
When using Agano ware daily, washing immediately after use is essential. Use soft sponges and neutral detergents for gentle cleaning. Metal scrubbers or abrasive sponges should be avoided as they may scratch vessel surfaces.
Additionally, vessel backs, around feet, and corners of square vessels tend to retain dirt, so thorough washing is key. After washing, properly drying vessels is important – storing while damp can cause mold and odors. Either air dry in well-ventilated areas or wipe with cloth before drying.
Storage Stacking Methods and Impact Prevention Points
When storing Agano ware, care must be taken to prevent vessels from directly touching each other. When stacking vessels, place soft cloth or paper between them to prevent scratches and chips. Particular attention is needed for foot areas that easily contact other vessels.
Additionally, when storing vessels, choose stable locations and use non-slip sheets to prevent earthquake-induced falls. Regularly checking vessel conditions for cracks or chips helps maintain beautiful condition for long periods.
Humidity Control and Newspaper Wrapping to Prevent Mold and Odors
Since Agano ware has high water absorption, storage in high-humidity locations causes mold and odors. When storing vessels, ensure they are completely dry and store in well-ventilated locations.
Additionally, wrapping vessels in newspaper absorbs moisture and prevents mold and odor development. Replace newspaper regularly to avoid moisture accumulation. Furthermore, placing dehumidifiers in storage areas enables thorough humidity control. Implementing these measures allows long-term use of Agano ware in clean, beautiful condition.
Summary
Agano ware is one of Japan’s traditional crafts with over 400 years of history and culture, with attractions extending from dignity as tea pottery and practicality as daily vessels to aesthetic value as interior items.
Delicate colors created by unique glazes like celadon and copper-green glazes, and thin vessels from wheel forming become familiar with use, bringing comfortable richness to life. Recently, vessels with contemporary designs have also appeared, making tradition accessible in daily life.
Additionally, with proper use and care, Agano ware can become lifelong companions. Why not incorporate Agano ware, which combines reliable quality backed by history and techniques with flexibility that adapts to the times, into your lifestyle?
