The history and appeal of Tamba Tachikui ware

Tamba Tachikui ware is a type of pottery with over 800 years of history, centered in the Imada area of Sasayama City (now Tamba Sasayama City) in Hyogo Prefecture. Counted as one of the Six Ancient Kilns (Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Bizen, Echizen, and Tamba), the kiln has been producing "simple, unadorned tableware for daily use" since it first opened. It continues to fascinate many people with its unique texture, which deepens with use and is created by the strong earthenware.

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1. Origin and History

Tamba ware, one of the six ancient kilns

Tamba Tachikui ware is one of the "Six Ancient Kilns" representing Japan. The Six Ancient Kilns are Seto (Seto City, Aichi Prefecture), Tokoname (Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture), Shigaraki (Koka City, Shiga Prefecture), Bizen (Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture), Echizen (Echizen Town, Nyu District, Fukui Prefecture), and Tamba (Imada District, Tamba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture).
Its origins are said to date back to the end of the Heian period (around the 12th century) to the early Kamakura period, and pottery production has continued uninterrupted for over 800 years since then.

The Anagama and Climbing Kiln Periods

The history of Tamba ware can be roughly divided into the "anagama period" and the "noborigama period."

• Anagama period (~late Momoyama period)
  For about 400 years from its origins until the end of the Momoyama period, firing was done in an anagama kiln carved into a slope. At that time, the main products were large household items such as jars and jars made by rolling up clay in a string-like shape, and most of the products were unglazed.
• Climbing kiln period (early Edo period to present)
  When Korean-style climbing kilns, half above ground, were introduced in the early Edo period (around the 17th century), the flow of heat and temperature control improved, making mass production and the use of a variety of glazes possible. Molding on a kick wheel (characterized by a counterclockwise rotation) became mainstream, and a wide variety of works were produced, including tea utensils such as tea bowls, tea caddies, and water jars, as well as small sake bottles.

Kobori Enshu and "Enshu Tamba"

From around 1611, in the early Edo period, under the guidance of the famous feudal tea master Kobori Enshu, many excellent tea utensils known as "Enshu Tamba" were produced, which were highly praised by tea masters of the time. Furthermore, in the late Edo period, under the protection and nurturing of the Sasayama domain, many master craftsmen were active, and the fame of Tamba ware spread throughout the country.

Modern to contemporary Tamba Tachikui ware

After the Meiji period, the center of Tamba ware moved to the Tachikui region, and sales expanded to Kyushu and the Tohoku region under the name "Tachikui ware." In 1978 (Showa 53), it was designated a national traditional craft under the name "Tamba Tachikui ware," and today it is a major production area with around 60 kilns. The number of young local artists is also increasing, and they are actively creating works that incorporate new sensibilities while respecting tradition.

2. Characteristics of Tamba Tachikui Ware

"Ash Cover" and Chemical Reactions with Firewood

The greatest feature of Tamba Tachikui ware is the unique color and pattern that is created by "ash covering" that occurs when the ash from the wood, the iron in the soil, and the glaze react chemically during firing in a climbing kiln for about 60 hours. The color and appearance of the ash on the surface of the vessel changes depending on the angle and temperature of the flame, so no two pieces are the same. This is what gives Tamba ware its unique charm.

Left-rotating potter's wheel

In many production areas, potter's wheels generally rotate clockwise, but Tamba Tachikui ware traditionally uses a counterclockwise kick wheel. The unique rhythm of this counterclockwise rotation, combined with the craftsman's skill, creates simple yet powerful forms.

Simple and practical pottery

Among the Six Ancient Kilns, Tamba ware in particular has a history of developing mainly into "utensils for daily life." From pots, jars, and tea utensils to modern tableware and vases, the style emphasizes simple, unadorned simplicity and practicality, which is one of the reasons why it has continued to be loved through the ages.

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3. Anagama, climbing kiln, mini climbing kiln

Anagama (hole kiln)

Anagama kilns, which were used until the end of the Momoyama period, are pit kilns built on the slopes of mountains. While it is difficult to control the movement of the ash and fire produced when burning firewood, their distinctive feature is that they allow you to enjoy the natural scenery (fired colors) that result from chance.

Climbing kiln

From the early Edo period onwards, multi-chambered firing chambers were replaced by climbing kilns, which are connected along a slope. These kilns allow for better fire circulation, shorten firing times and are suitable for mass production. There are few production areas in Japan where old-style climbing kilns are still in use, which is one of the reasons why Tamba Tachikui ware was selected as a national intangible cultural property. In recent years, there has been an increase in "mini climbing kilns" with fewer firing chambers, which meet modern needs while still making use of the traditional structure.

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4. Production Process

The production process of Tamba Tachikui ware combines traditional methods with modern techniques. Below is an example of the main steps.

The raw soil, which is unique to the region, such as Yotsutsuji clay and Benten black soil, is refined at a clay factory and used as pottery clay.

The refined clay is kneaded by machine and then kneaded by hand to remove air and give it a uniform consistency.

Molding: A variety of techniques are used, including a left-rotating kick wheel, an electric wheel, slip casting, tatara, and hand molding. Each piece is carefully shaped one by one.

Carving and FinishingWhen the piece is still semi-dry, the base is carved and the rim is smoothed to complete the final shape.

DryingThe pieces are dried completely over a period of several days using the sun or residual heat from the kiln.

Bisque firing: The piece is bisque fired at 700-900°C to ensure that the glaze adheres firmly.

Glazing: Glazes based on a wide variety of ashes, such as wood ash, straw ash, and rice husk ash, are used to aim for different colors and looks for each piece.

To prevent the pieces from coming into direct contact during firing, they are arranged in the kiln using clay balls covered with ash called "hama," which prevent the pieces from touching each other.

The temperature is raised to about 1300℃ in a climbing kiln, and the piece is fired for over a day and night. The timing and amount of firewood added greatly affects the appearance of the ash covering.

After firing , the pieces are cooled sufficiently before being taken out. It takes about a week from when the pieces are put into the kiln to when they are taken out, and the moment when the kiln is opened is a moment of great joy and tension for the creator.

5. Current Tamba Tachikui Ware and Its Outlook

A wide variety of crafts, folk art, and industrial products

Modern Tamba Tachikui ware is produced in a wide range of products, from crafts and folk art such as flower vases, tea utensils, and tableware, to industrial products such as flower pots and sake barrels. Traditional decorative techniques such as nail carving, leaf patterns, flower printing, flowing glaze, tube painting, and suminagashi are still used today, and new techniques such as the use of electric potter's wheels and casting techniques are also being actively pursued.

Reconstruction after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

Demand in major consumption areas dropped sharply after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, but recovered in about six months and is now almost at the same level as before the disaster. In recent years, young artists have been actively entering the industry, and while many local industries are struggling with a lack of successors, Tamba Tachikui ware is a rare example of a continuing revitalization.

Pride in traditional crafts

In 1978, "Tamba Tachikui ware" was designated as a national traditional craft, proving that the long history and reliable techniques of Tamba ware were recognized by the country. As a rare production area where climbing kilns are still in operation, it continues to pursue new expressions while protecting traditions, attracting many pottery fans.

Tamba Tachikui ware is a fusion of traditions cultivated over a long history dating back to the end of the Heian period and firing techniques that make use of the power of nature. The transition from anagama kiln to a climbing kiln that takes advantage of the slope, the distinctive form created by the left-handed kick wheel, and the one-of-a-kind "ash covering" created by the ashes of the wood fires. All of these have created the individuality and charm that is unique to Tamba Tachikui ware.

The simple yet powerful earthenware and refined aesthetic sense honed for tea utensils are symbols of Japanese craft culture. Even today, many potters and artists continue to carefully preserve the traditions passed down, while incorporating new sensibilities and techniques. If you have an affinity for pottery that evokes a long history, be sure to visit Tamba and feel the breath of the pottery. You will be captivated by the deep flavor and depth created by Tamba Tachikui ware.