Tokoname ware

Tokoname ware (常滑焼, Tokoname-yaki) is a type of traditional Japanese pottery produced in and around the city of Tokoname, in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan. It is one of the "Six Ancient Kilns" of Japan (日本六古窯, Nihon Rokkoyō), renowned for its long history and distinctive red clay teapots. Tokoname ware has been produced since at least the late Heian period (12th century) and continues to play an important role in Japanese ceramic traditions.

History

Production of ceramics in Tokoname dates back over 900 years. The area became one of Japan’s major ceramic centers due to its abundant high-quality clay and proximity to coastal trade routes. During the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, Tokoname potters developed large-scale kilns capable of producing everyday wares such as jars, storage containers, and tiles.

By the Edo period (1603–1868), the production of smaller, more refined wares increased, particularly teapots designed for the preparation of green tea. These teapots became especially prized in the tea culture of Japan for their fine craftsmanship and ability to enhance the taste of tea.

Characteristics

Tokoname ware is most famous for its reddish-brown clay, known as shudei. The clay is rich in iron, giving the pottery its distinctive color without the need for glaze. Some vessels are left unglazed to showcase the natural beauty of the clay, while others may feature simple incised or stamped designs.

Teapots (kyūsu) are among the most celebrated Tokoname wares. They are often made with a side handle (yokode kyūsu) and crafted with extreme precision, ensuring smooth pouring and tight-fitting lids. The porous clay is said to soften the taste of tea, making the vessels highly sought after by tea connoisseurs.

Modern Production

Today, Tokoname remains an active center of pottery production. Contemporary potters create both traditional and innovative works, ranging from everyday tableware to art ceramics. The city hosts the Tokoname Pottery Footpath, where visitors can see historic kilns and workshops, as well as the INAX Tile Museum, which highlights the broader ceramic heritage of the region.

See also

• Japanese pottery and porcelain
• Six Ancient Kilns of Japan
• Kyusu

References

• Cort, Louise Allison. Shigaraki, Potters’ Valley. Weatherhill, 1979.
• Moeran, Brian. Folk Art Potters of Japan: Beyond an Anthropology of Aesthetics. Routledge, 1997.