Shodai ware

Bottle 2, Shodai ware, Edo period, 18th century, poured white glaze on brown glaze - Tokyo National Museum - DSC05292

Shodai ware (小代焼, Shōdai-yaki) is a traditional Japanese stoneware produced in and around Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is known for its rustic forms, natural glazes, and earthy aesthetic that reflects the ideals of the Japanese folk craft tradition. Shodai ware combines functionality with expressive texture and color, maintaining a balance between practicality and artistic spontaneity.

History

Shodai ware originated in the early Edo period, around the 17th century, when potters established kilns on the slopes of Mount Shodai in northern Kumamoto. The local feudal lord encouraged the development of pottery for both daily use and regional trade. Influences from nearby ceramic centers, such as Karatsu and Agano, helped shape the early forms and glazing techniques of Shodai ware.

During the Edo and Meiji periods, production flourished as Shodai potters supplied kitchenware, storage jars, and tea utensils throughout Kyushu. In the 20th century, the ware was rediscovered by scholars of the mingei (folk craft) movement, who valued its unpretentious charm and naturally flowing glazes.

Characteristics

Shodai ware is stoneware, fired at high temperatures in wood-fired climbing kilns (noborigama). Its distinctive features include:

• Thick, coarse clay body, made from locally sourced iron-rich soil.
• Natural ash glazes in white, yellow, brown, and green hues, created by mixing feldspar, wood ash, and iron oxide.
• Bold, spontaneous brushwork (hakeme) and poured-glaze patterns (nagashi) that emphasize movement and irregularity.
• Hearty, organic forms, celebrating asymmetry and imperfection in line with the aesthetic of wabi-sabi.

Shodai ware’s textures and glazes often create a sense of depth, with natural drips and layers of ash-glaze producing unpredictable, expressive effects. Common items include tea bowls, water jars, storage pots, and tableware designed for everyday use.

Modern Development

Modern Shodai ware continues to be produced by family-run kilns in Arao and surrounding areas. The Shodai Pottery Cooperative Association actively promotes the preservation of traditional methods while supporting younger artisans experimenting with new styles and glaze combinations.

In 2003, Shodai ware was officially designated a Traditional Craft of Japan by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Annual pottery festivals and exhibitions in Kumamoto Prefecture attract both collectors and everyday users who appreciate its robust, natural character.

See also

• Karatsu ware
• Agano ware
• Onta ware
• Japanese ceramics and pottery

References

• Japan Traditional Kōgei Association. Shōdai-yaki (Shodai ware).
• Kumamoto Prefecture Cultural Heritage Database.
• Nihon Tōgei Taikan (Encyclopedia of Japanese Ceramics).
• Yanagi Sōetsu, The Beauty of Everyday Things.