Mashiko ware, born in Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture, is widely loved for its warm, rustic texture and durability suitable for daily use. While establishing its position as a traditional Japanese craft, its simple beauty has also gained appreciation overseas, captivating many enthusiasts.
This article will explain in detail the history of Mashiko ware, its production process, and the reasons for its domestic and international spread.
What is Mashiko Ware?
Mashiko ware (Mashikoyaki) is pottery produced in Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture, with a history of about 170 years, starting in 1853 at the end of the Edo period. It is one of Japan’s folk pottery types, particularly loved as everyday tableware and widely appreciated as pottery that suits modern lifestyles.
Here, we will explain in detail the main characteristics of Mashiko ware and the reasons why it continues to be used.
Characteristics and Appeal of Mashiko Ware
The characteristics of Mashiko ware lie in its rustic, warm texture and thick, durable construction. The clay used in Mashiko ware is locally sourced in Mashiko, containing a lot of sand and iron, which produces a unique and deep color and texture when fired. The beautiful colors and natural patterns from glazes are also characteristic, with “nuka white glaze” and “black glaze” traditionally used.
The appeal of Mashiko ware lies in its combination of functionality and artistry. As durable and easy-to-use vessels, they add elegance to everyday dining tables and enhance the appearance of dishes. Simple yet warm designs are characteristic, making Mashiko ware loved by a wide range of people.
Reasons Why Mashiko Ware is Chosen for Daily Use
The reasons Mashiko ware is chosen for daily use are its durability and affordable price. Being thick and sturdy, it can be used with confidence as everyday tableware and is relatively resistant to impacts.
Moreover, it can be purchased at relatively affordable prices, making it widely popular in households as practical pottery. Furthermore, Mashiko ware vessels go well not only with Japanese cuisine but also with Western and modern dishes, and their rustic and warm texture enhances the appearance of food, making them easy to use in various scenarios.
Characteristics of Mashiko Ware Design and Colors
The design of Mashiko ware is characterized by its simple and uncluttered beauty. There are many types of glazes used, with natural colors like “amber glaze,” “black glaze,” and “rice bran glaze” being commonly used.
Amber glaze has a warm brown color, black glaze has a deep black luster, and rice bran glaze has a white or bluish tint, creating a uniquely calm and flavorful appearance of Mashiko ware. The designs of Mashiko ware are often plain or with simple patterns, appearing modest at first glance, but the appeal lies in the individuality that emerges from the handcrafted finish.
Moreover, as each piece of Mashiko ware is handmade, it’s a good point that you can enjoy a different texture with each piece. Rustic yet with rich expressions, Mashiko ware embodies the Japanese concept of “beauty in utility” and is supported by many pottery enthusiasts.
The Production Area of Mashiko Ware is Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture
Mashiko Town in Tochigi Prefecture, the production area of Mashiko ware, is a land rich in high-quality clay containing a lot of iron. This geographical condition has supported the development of Mashiko ware. Mashiko clay has a coarse texture and produces a unique deep color and thickness after firing. This land blessed with natural resources shapes the characteristic texture and colors of Mashiko ware, contributing to its rustic texture.
Moreover, Mashiko Town is easily accessible from urban areas and is known as a tourist destination for pottery markets and visiting kilns. Large-scale pottery markets are held every spring and autumn, attracting many pottery enthusiasts. Local artisans continue to present works that incorporate new designs and techniques while preserving traditional techniques, adapting to modern lifestyles.
Increase in Mashiko Ware Adapted to Modern Lifestyles
Mashiko ware with simple and modern designs adapted to modern needs is increasing and gaining attention. Therefore, nowadays, there are more works that incorporate modern shapes, designs, and diverse color variations while preserving traditional techniques.
In particular, works reflecting new sensibilities through collaborations with young artists and designers have emerged, and Mashiko ware is gaining popularity as a modern item that adds color to dining tables. As mentioned earlier, many Mashiko ware pieces harmonize with both Japanese and Western cuisine and interiors, and are valued in modern households as practical and beautiful tableware.
Therefore, recently, there are products that are compatible with microwave ovens and dishwashers, and they are supported by a wide range of generations as items that combine functionality and design.
History and Origins of Mashiko Ware
While Mashiko ware is now used for various purposes, it has a long history before becoming widely popular. Here, we will introduce the history from the origins of Mashiko ware to its development.
Birth and Development Process of Mashiko Ware
The birth of Mashiko ware began in 1853 (late Edo period) when Keizaburo Otsuka, a potter who had trained in Kasama ware, moved to Mashiko. Otsuka noticed the high quality of the clay containing a lot of iron found in Mashiko and began pottery production. This is considered the origin of Mashiko ware, and since then, Mashiko ware has developed by utilizing these rich local resources.
Initially, it focused on everyday items such as plates and tea bowls, but its durability and simple design were appreciated, leading to widespread popularity. Mashiko ware uses clay rich in iron, which creates a unique sense of weight and deep colors after firing, becoming the identity of Mashiko ware.
Mashiko Ware Developed While Meeting the Needs of Common People
Full-scale production of Mashiko ware began at the end of the Edo period, and during this time, like pottery from other regions, it mainly produced everyday utensils. At that time, there was a need for inexpensive and practical tableware in the rural areas around Mashiko, and Mashiko ware spread in response to these needs.
Potters in Mashiko used locally available clay containing a lot of iron and mass-produced using climbing kilns. This simple and practical design was supported by farmers and common people, gradually expanding the production system. Against this background, Mashiko ware developed from the beginning as pottery close to everyday life.
Evolution of Mashiko Ware After the Meiji Era
Entering the Meiji era, Mashiko ware underwent significant changes influenced by the modernization of industry that progressed throughout Japan. During this period, steam kilns were introduced and technological innovations were made, advancing production efficiency.
Moreover, due to the government’s industrial promotion policy, Mashiko ware began to attempt exports not only domestically but also overseas, mainly to the United States, further increasing its recognition. Therefore, after the Meiji era, Mashiko ware began to receive evaluation as art pieces beyond its role as everyday items.
Especially during this period, Mashiko ware vessels began to have artistic value, and products for various uses and designs began to be made. Such innovation and increased recognition through exports became the foundation for further development of Mashiko ware.
Mashiko Ware Gained Further Attention Through the Mingei Movement
Mashiko ware particularly gained attention with the Mingei (folk craft) movement in the early 20th century as a significant trigger. The Mingei movement, developed from the 1920s to the 1930s centered around Soetsu Yanagi, aimed to find beauty in everyday life and reevaluated traditional crafts from all over the country. Among them, Mashiko ware was evaluated as “beautiful vessels for the people” and became representative pottery of the Mingei movement.
Especially, when British potter Bernard Leach visited Mashiko Town and set up a studio with Shoji Hamada and others, deeply involving himself in the techniques and designs of Mashiko ware, it contributed to the further development of Mashiko ware.
Mr. Leach brought in his own techniques and philosophy, elevating Mashiko ware to a more refined level while also spreading its artistic value. Thus, Mashiko ware became widely known as pottery embodying “beauty in utility,” and this evaluation continues to this day.
Evaluation and Development of Mashiko Ware in Modern Times
Modern Mashiko ware is highly evaluated not only as everyday tableware but also as art pieces and products incorporating contemporary designs. In addition to simple designs using traditional glazes, many works reflecting new sensibilities by young potters are being created.
In particular, the “Mashiko Pottery Fair” held annually in Mashiko Town attracts many pottery fans and tourists from both Japan and abroad, gaining attention as an opportunity to directly purchase Mashiko ware.
Furthermore, there are increasing numbers of Mashiko ware products compatible with microwave ovens and dishwashers, widely supported as practical vessels suited to modern lifestyles. By actively incorporating new designs while preserving tradition, Mashiko ware continues to increase its evaluation both domestically and internationally, and is still loved by many people.
Production Method of Mashiko Ware
Mashiko ware is pottery characterized by simple and warm designs that fuse traditional techniques with modern technology. Its production process covers a wide range from shaping to glazing, firing, and decoration, with the artisan’s skills shining in each process. Here, we will explain in detail the production method of Mashiko ware.
Shaping Techniques and Clay Characteristics of Mashiko Ware
Traditional techniques such as wheel throwing and hand-building are used in shaping Mashiko ware. In wheel throwing, the artisan’s skilled techniques are required to create vessels with uniform thickness and shape, combining appearance and function. Hand-building is a technique used to create more free-form shapes, characterized by unique and distinctive designs.
Furthermore, the clay used in Mashiko ware is clay containing a lot of iron found around Mashiko. This clay produces a weighty color and texture after firing, bringing out the rustic and warm texture unique to Mashiko ware. Moreover, as the clay is soft and easy to shape, it is possible to create various vessel forms, with artisans producing a variety of designs.
Types of Glazes Used in Mashiko Ware and Their Application Methods
The glazes used in Mashiko ware include traditional “amber glaze,” “black glaze,” and “white glaze.” Particularly, amber glaze is widely known as a representative glaze of Mashiko ware, with a warm brown luster. These glazes bring out the texture of the clay while giving Mashiko ware a rustic and beautiful luster and unique colors.
The following traditional techniques are used for glazing:
- Dipping: The entire vessel is immersed in glaze liquid to apply glaze uniformly
- Brush application: Glaze is applied using a brush to create shades and patterns on the surface
- Spraying: Glaze is sprayed to achieve a thin and uniform finish
By using these techniques, Mashiko ware continues to be loved by many fans as vessels with traditional beauty and modern diversity.
Firing Techniques and Types of Kilns for Mashiko Ware
Mashiko ware is fired at high temperatures of about 1200-1300°C, but the texture of the finished product differs depending on the type of kiln used.
Firing in Climbing Kilns
Traditional wood-fired kilns where the color subtly changes depending on how the flame hits and how the wood burns. Mashiko ware fired in climbing kilns is characterized by its natural texture and warm, unique color.
Firing in Gas or Electric Kilns
In modern Mashiko ware, gas and electric kilns that are easy to manage temperature are widely used. These kilns can maintain a constant temperature, allowing for efficient mass production of products with stable quality. Firing in gas or electric kilns results in a uniform finish different from traditional climbing kilns, suitable for modern-style Mashiko ware.
Thus, the diverse firing methods of Mashiko ware produce different textures, further expanding the charm of Mashiko ware.
Decoration Techniques and Designs Unique to Mashiko Ware
Traditional techniques such as white slip and brush marking are used for decorating Mashiko ware. “White slip” is a technique of applying white mud over the clay to create color contrast. This emphasizes the rustic and warm qualities unique to Mashiko ware, creating beautiful patterns and textures after firing. White slip brings depth and beauty to the vessels along with their rustic texture.
On the other hand, “brush marking” is a technique of expressing dynamic patterns on the surface of the vessel by applying glaze with a brush. This technique creates a dynamic effect from the traces of glaze, giving Mashiko ware a unique vibrancy.
Moreover, along with traditional designs, Mashiko ware incorporates many simple and modern designs that harmonize with contemporary lifestyles. Many works fusing traditional glazes and decoration techniques with modern elements can be seen, loved by many fans.
Quality Control and Finishing Process of Mashiko Ware
In the finishing process of Mashiko ware, strict inspection is carried out after the products are fired. Each piece is checked for chips, cracks, and color unevenness, and those with problems are discarded.
In the final finishing, the surface of the product is polished, and the glaze application and shape are adjusted. As Mashiko ware is characterized by its durability and longevity, this quality control is very important.
The production method of Mashiko ware is characterized by a process that fuses traditional techniques with modern technology, maximizing the texture of the clay and the beauty of the glaze. From shaping to firing, decoration, and finishing, a single work is completed through many processes, all utilizing artisans’ handwork and modern technology.
Summary
Mashiko ware is a traditional pottery based in Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture, and its production involves a long history and techniques. Shaping techniques such as wheel throwing and hand-building are used, and by using Mashiko clay containing a lot of iron, Mashiko ware’s unique sense of weight and warm texture are created.
Furthermore, firing uses various methods from traditional wood-fired climbing kilns to modern gas and electric kilns that are easy to manage temperature, allowing for stable production of high-quality products. Moreover, production incorporating decoration techniques and modern technology is progressing, adding designs and practicality suited to modern lifestyles.
Mashiko ware continues to receive high evaluation through the fusion of artisan skills and modern technology, and is still loved for a wide range of uses from everyday tableware to art pieces.
