Akazu ware

Akazu ware tea bowl, Seto, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Glazed in the traditional Seto style, Akazu pottery is renowned for its use of the historic “Seven Seto Glazes.” Designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan in 1977.

Akazu ware (Japanese: 赤津焼, Akazu-yaki) is a type of traditional Japanese pottery produced in the city of Seto, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It is regarded as one of the representative styles of Seto ware (瀬戸焼, Seto-yaki) and is particularly known for its use of historical glazing techniques.

History

Pottery production in the Seto region dates back to the Heian period (794–1185). Akazu ware developed as one of the distinct styles within the broader tradition of Seto ceramics. During the Edo period (1603–1868), Akazu was designated as one of the official kiln sites serving the Owari branch of the Tokugawa clan, which further elevated its prestige.

In 1610, following the relocation of the shogunate to Edo, Tokugawa Yoshinao (the first lord of Owari) ordered several potters to establish kilns in the Akazu area of Seto. This laid the foundation for the style’s continuity up to the present day.

Characteristics

Akazu ware is characterized by the continuation of seven traditional glazes known collectively as the Seto Shichiyū (瀬戸七釉, "Seven Seto Glazes"). These include:

• Kiseto (黄瀬戸, yellow Seto)
• Shino (志野)
• Oribe (織部)
• Ash glaze (灰釉, haiyū)
• Iron glaze (鉄釉, tetsuyū)
• Feldspar glaze (長石釉, chōsekkiyū)
• Black Seto (黒瀬戸, kuroseto)

These glazes give Akazu ware a wide range of aesthetic expressions, from earthy and rustic to refined and elegant.

Modern recognition

Today, Akazu ware continues to be produced by potters in Seto who maintain traditional techniques while also innovating with modern designs. In 1977, it was designated as an official Traditional Craft (伝統的工芸品, Dentōteki kōgeihin) of Japan by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.<ref name="aichi" />

See also

• Japanese pottery and porcelain
• Seto ware
• Mino ware

References

• KOGEI Japan – “Akazu ware (Akazu Yaki)”: description, history, and glazing techniques
• Wikipedia – “Akazu ware”: history, glaze types, Traditional Craft designation, museum details
• Culture & Arts Foundation – historical development of glazes and enamel techniques
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government – traditional craft description, tech and decoration methods

External links

• Aichi Prefecture – Akazu Pottery (official English site)
• Japan National Tourism Organization – Akazu ware