Otani Pottery, one of Tokushima Prefecture’s representative traditional crafts, is known for its manufacturing techniques of large ceramics such as indigo vats (ai-game) used in indigo dyeing and water jars (mizu-game). Otani Pottery is highly valued not only for its practicality but also as an art craft due to its size and unique texture.
This article will explain in detail the main features of Otani Pottery and its manufacturing process. We’ll cover the unique “sleeping potter’s wheel” technique that gives Otani Pottery its charm, the texture created using local clay rich in iron content, the firing process in a climbing kiln, and the traditional manufacturing methods. We’ll also touch on how the craft has adapted to modern lifestyles.
What is Otani Pottery?
Otani Pottery is a traditional craft representing Tokushima Prefecture, known especially for its large ceramic production. Made in Omachi, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, this pottery with about 240 years of history developed based on large ceramic items such as water jars and indigo vats used in indigo dyeing.
Currently, a wide range of products from daily necessities to interior accessories are being produced.
Otani Pottery is Characterized by Unique Texture and Techniques
The main features of Otani Pottery are as follows:
Unique Materials and Texture
Otani Pottery uses clay rich in iron content, characterized by a rough texture and metallic luster. This unique texture gives a rustic and powerful impression.
Use of the “Sleeping Potter’s Wheel” Technique
Otani Pottery is produced using a technique called “ne-rokuro” (sleeping potter’s wheel). In this technique, an assistant lies under the workbench and rotates the wheel with their feet, used when making large vats or water lily pots.
In recent years, in addition to traditional large ceramics, practical items such as mugs, teacups, and rice bowls are also being produced. Furthermore, interior products like vases and ornaments are also being made, allowing people to enjoy Otani Pottery not only as a craft but also for practical use.
As a result, Otani Pottery is highly valued both domestically and internationally as ceramics that fuse traditional techniques with modern design.
History of Otani Pottery
Otani Pottery is a traditional ceramic born in Omachi, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, with a history of about 240 years. The production of large vats called indigo vats (ai-game) developed particularly due to the flourishing indigo dyeing industry in this region.
From the Beginning of Otani Pottery to the Present Day
The founder of Otani Pottery was a potter named Bun’emon who came from Bungo Province (present-day Oita Prefecture). It is said that Bun’emon moved to what is now Naruto City in 1780 and began making pottery using red clay from Kanigaya.
The area where Bun’emon settled was a center for indigo dyeing, and there was a high demand for large vats to store indigo, so Bun’emon mainly produced indigo vats. In 1781, the local feudal lord, Hachisuka Haruaki, established a clan kiln where indigo vats and blue-and-white porcelain were fired. However, due to the import of raw materials from Kyushu and other factors, it was not profitable, and the clan kiln was closed three years later.
Later, an indigo merchant named Kaya Bungoro collaborated with a Shigaraki pottery craftsman from Shiga Prefecture to reestablish the kiln, and Otani Pottery developed as a private kiln (min’yo) producing ceramics for daily use. In the Meiji era, with the spread of chemical dyes, the demand for indigo vats decreased, and Otani Pottery declined. However, the manufacturing techniques for large vats have been passed down, and traditional manufacturing techniques are still inherited today.
What are the Characteristics and Main Techniques of Otani Pottery?
Otani Pottery is a traditional craft representing Tokushima Prefecture, characterized by techniques for making large ceramics. The unique “sleeping potter’s wheel” method and the distinctive texture from clay rich in iron content are particularly appealing.
Below, we’ll explain in detail what the sleeping potter’s wheel technique is and the materials used in Otani Pottery.
Unique Manufacturing Method Using the Sleeping Potter’s Wheel
The most characteristic technique of Otani Pottery is the “sleeping potter’s wheel” (ne-rokuro). In this technique, two people work as a team: one rotates the wheel with their feet while lying down, and the other shapes large vats or water lily pots.
This sleeping potter’s wheel technique allows for precise and careful creation of large ceramics. Otani Pottery is particularly known for its large ceramic items like indigo vats, and the size and beauty of their shape are highly valued.
Characteristics of Clay Texture and Glazes
The clay used in Otani Pottery is local clay rich in iron content, characterized by a rough texture and a slightly metallic luster. This rustic and powerful texture is one of the charms of Otani Pottery.
For glazes, techniques such as “dipping” and “pouring” are used, resulting in works with natural colors and luster. This combination gives Otani Pottery a simple yet impactful finish.
Otani Pottery creates its unique charm by inheriting traditional techniques like the sleeping potter’s wheel while also being particular about the clay used.
Manufacturing Process of Otani Pottery
While Otani Pottery has unique techniques and charms, including the sleeping potter’s wheel, how is it actually produced? Here, we’ll explain the manufacturing process of Otani Pottery, divided into the stages before shaping and the process from shaping to firing.
Clay Extraction and Preparation
The clay used in Otani Pottery is often extracted from Hagiwara and Himeta in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture. The soil in this region is rich in iron content, resulting in a unique rough texture and metallic luster when fired.
The process up to shaping is as follows:
| Extraction | Soil excavated from local areas like Hagiwara and Himeta is used. |
| Drying | The extracted soil is first naturally dried to remove moisture. |
| Crushing | The dried soil is finely crushed into a powder. |
| Kneading | Water is added and carefully kneaded until it becomes a uniform clay consistency. |
This process prepares the clay for shaping.
Process from Shaping to Firing
The shaping is done using the aforementioned “sleeping potter’s wheel” technique. Here is the flow of the process from shaping to firing:
Shaping with the Sleeping Potter’s Wheel
The clay is transferred to the wheel, and craftsmen work in pairs to shape it using the “sleeping potter’s wheel” technique.
Drying
The shaped ceramics are first dried in the shade, then in the sun. Large ceramics need several weeks of drying. Insufficient drying can cause cracks or warping during firing, so this step must be done carefully.
Glazing
After drying, glaze is applied to the ceramics. Techniques such as dipping and pouring are used to give the ceramics unique colors and luster. Bisque firing is done in a kiln at about 800°C for 8-16 hours.
Firing in a Climbing Kiln
The glazed ceramics are fired in a climbing kiln. The firing temperature is about 1,230°C, and the firing process takes several days. High-temperature firing results in hard and durable ceramics.
In this way, Otani Pottery is created through traditional techniques and a time-consuming process, highly valued as powerful and beautiful ceramics.
Modern Developments in Otani Pottery
While Otani Pottery is a traditional craft of Tokushima Prefecture with over 240 years of history, in recent years, many products have been created to suit modern lifestyles while preserving tradition. In modern times, while utilizing large ceramic manufacturing techniques, Otani Pottery has expanded into daily tableware and interior art.
Expansion from Daily Tableware to Art Pieces
Otani Pottery used to primarily produce large ceramics like indigo vats and water jars used in indigo dyeing, but now many products suitable for daily use such as mugs, teacups, and rice bowls are being made. This has made it easier to incorporate traditional techniques into daily life.
Recently, the use of Otani Pottery in interior design has also expanded. Many pieces that can serve as room accents, such as vases, ornaments, and wall hangings, are being produced, taking advantage of the natural texture of the ceramics and simple designs.
In particular, products that match not only Japanese-style rooms but also Western-style rooms are gaining attention as modern Japanese-style decorative items. In this way, Otani Pottery provides its techniques and beauty in various forms, from traditional products to items suited for modern lifestyles, and its potential continues to expand.
Conclusion: The Appeal of Otani Pottery and the Future of Tradition
Otani Pottery is a historical traditional craft of Tokushima Prefecture, with its major characteristics being the manufacturing techniques for large ceramics and the unique texture from using local distinctive clay. It produces not only practical ceramics like indigo vats but also daily tableware and interior art pieces adapted to modern lifestyles.
In recent years, while preserving the traditional techniques of Otani Pottery, new designs and uses have been incorporated, increasing its popularity among younger generations and overseas. While high-level techniques of craftsmen such as the sleeping potter’s wheel method and firing in climbing kilns are being passed down, products that match modern life are being created.
Otani Pottery continues to evolve to suit the times while preserving tradition, and its beauty and practicality will continue to be highly valued by many people, producing popular items in the future.
