What is Nara's pottery "Akahada ware"?
When talking about Nara pottery, Akahada ware is the first thing that comes to mind. Seven potteries, mainly in the Gojoyama area, continue to produce Akahada ware , and it is known for its elegant style that has grown alongside the culture of tea ceremony. This article has been organized to make it easy to read, from a brief overview to detailed information on the history, techniques, and potteries , as well as how to select and care for your ware .
Overview of Akahada ware
Production area : Gojoyama (Nishi-no-kyo area) in Nara City and Yamatokoriyama City
Background : A traditional kiln with strong ties to the tea ceremony, and counted among Kobori Enshu 's "Seven Enshu Kilns"
Strengths : High-quality clay from the Gojoyama area and a history of ceramics dating back to the Middle Ages
Currently : Seven potteries continue to produce pottery with their own aesthetic sense.
While six kilns are officially designated as "Traditional Crafts of Nara Prefecture," there are actually several Akahada ware kilns (generally seven) in Nara City and Yamatokoriyama City.
The "characteristic" quality of Akahada ware is the softness of the clay ...the natural, warm texture that is unique to Nara clay. Affinity with the tea ceremony ... "Beauty of utility" that draws on the lineage of braziers and braziers. Nara paintings ... Simple and adorable designs depicting Nara scenery such as shrines, temples and deer.
The flow of history
1) Ancient to Medieval Period: High-quality clay and the creation of vessels for gods and Buddhas
The area from Gojoyama to Nishinokyo is a famous clay region where the Haji clan has had its base since ancient times. The Manyoshu pillow word " Aotanyoshi " (green fertile soil) suggests that Nara has good clay.
In the Middle Ages , pottery makers (red pottery makers and white pottery makers) and brazier makers were established to handle offerings to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofuku-ji Temple, and the foundation for local manufacturing was established.
As the tea ceremony spread, Nara braziers and braziers became famous products. The lineage of the Eiraku Zengoro family and Nishimura Zengoro extended to Kyoto, and techniques originating in Nara spread to the capital.
2) Early Modern Period: Tea Ceremony and the "Seven Kilns of Enshu"
Thanks to Kobori Enshu 's aesthetic sense and patronage, Nara pottery became increasingly acclaimed as "elegant pottery."
There are also many art historical topics, such as the patronage of the Koriyama domain and the Yanagisawa family , and the achievements of Okuda Mokushiro and others.
3) Late 18th century: Restoration during the Kansei era
Generally, the Kansei era (1789-1801) is considered to be the period of revival. The Koriyama domain invited potters from Kyoto and Shigaraki to set up official kilns , and it is said that there were three kilns in Gojoyama: East, Central, and West . Even before the Kansei era, there were remains bearing the inscription " Made in the Horeki era ," suggesting a continuous pottery industry . *The name of the lord of Koriyama domain is written in different ways depending on the historical source, such as Yanagisawa Yasumitsu (pen name: Hideyama) or Yanagisawa Gyozan .
Tradition of creation, excavation, and kiln lineage
Founding traditions and Unge ware
According to legend, Toyotomi Hidenaga invited the potter Yokuro from Tokoname, Owari Province, to open a kiln at Gojoyama during the Tensho era (1573–1592), and another story says that Nonomura Ninsei started a kiln during the Shoho era (1644–1648), although there is little concrete physical evidence from that time.
The remains of an Unka ware kiln, used in the early to mid-Edo period, were excavated on the site of a former townhouse in Yamatokoriyama City, where high-quality tea ceremony utensils such as braziers and earthenware stoves were discovered. Together with examples excavated in Sakai City and Kyoto City, these are considered to be important clues for exploring the lineage of Akahada ware.
The Kansei Restoration and the Three Kilns of "East, Central, and West"
In 1786, a test kiln was built in Koriyama Castle. In 1789, a climbing kiln for the domain was built on Mt. Akahada in Gojo Village, and Jihei, who had been invited from Gojozaka in Kyoto, took charge. The domain bestowed the surname "Inoue, " the kiln name "Akahadayama," and a bronze seal bearing the character "Akahata."
During the Kaei era , the East, Central, and West kilns were located side by side, with the original kiln (Naka no Kiln) at its center. Due to the depressions and succession of the Meiji and Taisho periods, some kilns were closed and merged, but the Furuse family later re-established the Naka no Kiln. The large climbing kiln at the Furuse Gyozo Kiln is a registered tangible cultural property, and has been restored in recent years and is now open to the public.
Characteristics and designs of Akahada ware
Base and glaze
The most representative glaze is the Hagi glaze (established by Okuda Mokushiro), which has a reddish base and a milky white to grayish hue . The unglazed areas develop a red color , bringing out the beauty of the earthenware.
The soil around Gojoyama is thin and the color changes depending on where the clay is extracted , resulting in a wide variety of different expressions depending on the kiln.
The World of Narae
The simple and free-flowing painting of Nara scenery such as shrines and temples, deer and monkeys , as well as designs that trace their origins to Otogi Zoshi and the Illustrated Sutra of Cause and Effect, resonates with the simplicity of the vessel's surface.
Some pieces have the inscription " Akahadayama " or " Akahata " stamp on the bottom, as well as the artist's stamp and kiln mark.
Current major potteries
Furuse Gyozo Kiln (Nara City) ... The climbing kiln, medium-sized kiln, and old workshop are registered as tangible cultural properties. The large climbing kiln has been restored and is open to the public.
Oshio-kei kilns (Nara City) ...Multiple kilns with award-winning histories and lineages have developed their own unique styles.
Currently active are kilns known for their offerings to shrines and temples and for producing masterpieces for the tea ceremony, including Ogawa Niraku (Yamatokoriyama City) and Onishi Rakusai (Yamatokoriyama City) .
Names of people and places
Kobori Enshu : A tea master who systematized and protected aesthetic sense, giving Nara pottery a sense of elegance.
Yanagisawa family (Koriyama domain) : Provided institutional support to the production area through revitalization and development of official kilns.
Okuda Kishiro : A master craftsman who established the Akahada glaze, including Hagi glaze , and was praised as the "master of imitation wares from all over the country."
Eiraku Zengoro Family/Nishimura Zengoro : A genealogy of master craftsmen of Nara braziers. A connection with Kyoto.
Gojoyama/Nishi-no-kyo : The main stage for Akahada ware. Adjacent to major shrines and temples such as Kasuga and Kofuku-ji.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When did it start?
A. There are various theories about when the kiln was first opened. Some say it was during the Tensho to Shoho period (with Hidenaga and Ninsei involved), while others say it was during the Kansei period as part of an institutional reorganization (as an official kiln). The current form of Akahada ware became clear with the Kansei revival .
Q2. Are they still being made?
A. Yes. Seven kilns continue to produce pottery in Nara City and Yamatokoriyama City. Six kilns are listed as certified traditional crafts of Nara Prefecture.
Q3. What is the difference between this and Yagyu ware?
A. Both are representative of Nara, but Akahada ware has a strong connection to Gojoyama and the tea ceremony , and has a strong lineage known for its braziers and braziers . Yagyu ware is a different lineage, rooted in the geography and traditions of Yagyu .
Collection/Purchase Tips (Practical)
Work backwards from the intended use : Deciding first how to use it, such as for tea ceremonies, sake, or flower vases, will help clarify the selection criteria.
Compare the clay and texture : Even with the same Akahada clay , the clay color and firing process can vary. Compare multiple examples.
The potter's unique character : Observe the shape, rim, foot, and glaze to understand the individuality of the artist and potter.
Provenance and box inscription : For works that are strongly associated with the tea ceremony , the box inscription, inscription, and history are the keys to determining their value.
From the perspective of long-term use : The best way to develop tableware that embodies the beauty of utility is to use it daily .
How to care for Akahada ware
How to wash : A household sponge and mild detergent are fine. For dishes with rough surfaces, a soft scrubbing brush is effective ( don't scrub too hard ).
Drying and storage : Dry completely and store in a well-ventilated place. Place cloth or tissue paper between each container and stack similar containers to distribute the weight.
Dirt and mold : Generally improved by boiling or soaking in oxygen bleach ( be sure to rinse off the chemicals thoroughly ).
Cracks and chips : Depending on the condition, they may be repairable with gold repairs , etc. Please consult a professional before proceeding.
Quick chronology
Ancient times : High-quality pottery clay in Nara, the base of the Haji clan
Middle Ages : Offerings to Kasuga and Kofuku-ji Temples, the establishment of earthenware and brazier stands
Early modern period : The tea ceremony flourished , and Nara braziers and braziers became famous products.
Kansei period (1789–1801) : Restored under the protection of the Koriyama domain , and the Gojoyama kiln system (East, Central, and West) was established.
Modern to contemporary : After the kiln was closed and then re-opened, Furuse Gyozo Kiln and others have taken over. Currently, seven kilns are producing
Learn more and visit
Tour of pottery galleries and workshops in Nara City and Yamatokoriyama City (Akahada Ware Kohaku Kiln, etc.)
A wide range of works are on display, from small plates with Nara paintings to tea utensils, ritual vessels, and masterpieces of reproductions.
Use of historical materials, exhibition catalogs, and production area guides (Nara National Museum, production area materials, etc.)
summary
The high-quality clay from Gojoyama, Nara, and a long history supported by gods, Buddhas, and the tea ceremony have nurtured Akahada ware's "soft earthenware" and "beauty of utility." Since its restoration in the Kansei era, seven kilns still compete with each other to create unique pieces, and you can enjoy a variety of expressions, including Nara paintings . Nara pottery connects the romance of history with everyday life - come and find the perfect bowl for you .
Onishi Rakusai – High-quality pottery specialty store [Amagi Road]