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Attraction of Bizen

Bizen ware is characterized by its reddish brown color making the most of the soil traits. It is unglazed so directly conveys the charm of the soil. Soil has many different ingredients. The surface of Bizen ware is entirely dependent on the combination of clay and flames. It is the world of “ Wabi Sabi”. It has caught the attention and admiration of tea ceremony masters since the Muromachi period.

History of Bizen

Japanese ceramic skill was conveyed in the fifth century from Korea. It initially used a potter’s wheel to make “Sueki”. The six ancient kilns of the middle age in Japan such as “Bizen-Yaki”, “Tanba-Yaki”, Echizeen-Yaki”, “Seto-Yaki”, Tokoname-Yaki” and “Shigaraki-Yaki” began by making “Sueki”.
Other styles have been changed to glazed ware, which is useful for decorating with patterns and is waterproof but, only Bizen ware is left unglazed. Generally, the reason is that clay in Bizen, especially the Imbe area has a high quality so it isn’t necessary to glaze it. Clay in Imbe is made more for waterproof and durable through firing slowly over a long period of time.
Bizen clay also has a high iron content and much organic matter. It creates beautifully simple patterns. It was not at all necessary to glaze it.
In fact, it is said that, the clay doesn’t match to glaze well because, it is too sticky, not waterproof enough, shrink easily and is too high in iron.
However, that incompatibility led us to the wonderful “Bizen ware of today” which explores the character of clay and natural fusion.

Traditional pattern of Bizen ware

Bizen ware is fired with specially selected red pine wood in specoal kiln. The surface treatments of Bizen ware is entirely dependent on kiln conditions.

Goma

When pine ashes melt in the high heat, they create an ash glaze on the surface. It looks as if it were covered with sesami seeds.

Sangiri

When a piece gets buried in the ashes at the bottom of the kiln, it gets only indirect fire and poor air circulation, causing oxidation-reduced firing. It creates colors of gray, dark gray and blue.

Hidasuki

Placing rice straws between pieces and wrapping a piece with them makes this effect.
White or light brown piece with red lines are the results.

Botan-mochi

When a small piece of clay is placed in a bowl during firing, the small spot leaves an unfired red spot.

Ao-Bizen

When a piece is placed in a rice straw sack in a certain part of the kiln, it turns blue gray.

Fuseyaki

When a piece is covered with another piece on top, it creates two different colors at the top and bottom.

Bizen Yaki 1