Aizu-Hongo ware

Sake Bottle (tokkuri) LACMA M.2008.264.2

Aizu Hongo ware (会津本郷焼, Aizu Hongo-yaki) is a traditional form of Japanese pottery produced in the Hongo district of Aizumisato, Fukushima Prefecture. It is regarded as one of the oldest pottery traditions in the Tōhoku region, with origins dating back to the late 16th century. Aizu Hongo ware is known for its wide variety of styles, ranging from everyday utensils to tea ceremony vessels, and it remains a central cultural craft of Fukushima.

History

The beginnings of Aizu Hongo ware are traced to the late 16th century, during the time of the feudal lord Gamō Ujisato, who encouraged the development of pottery in the Aizu region. Local clay resources provided a suitable foundation for production, and by the Edo period (1603–1868), Aizu Hongo had become a significant center of ceramic manufacture.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, potters produced a wide range of goods, from large storage jars and utilitarian vessels to refined tea utensils. The ware was widely distributed throughout the Tōhoku region and supported the everyday life of townspeople and farmers. After the Boshin War (1868–1869), the industry suffered setbacks, but it gradually recovered and continues to this day.

Characteristics

Aizu Hongo ware is notable for its diversity, as different kilns developed their own specialties. Both glazed and unglazed wares are produced, with colors ranging from warm browns to whites and blues.

Some characteristic features include:

• Everyday utensils such as bowls, plates, and sake bottles.
• Tea utensils, including tea bowls (chawan), water jars, and tea caddies.
• Use of local clay, producing durable stoneware suited for both functional and ceremonial use.
• Simple, rustic forms balanced with aesthetic glazing.

Because multiple kilns operated in the Aizu Hongo area, there is no single “standard” style; instead, the ware is appreciated for its variety and adaptability.

Modern Production

Today, Aizu Hongo ware continues to be produced by a number of kilns and individual potters in Aizumisato. It is officially designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan and remains a symbol of the cultural identity of Fukushima Prefecture.

The town hosts the annual Aizu Hongo Pottery Festival, which attracts visitors to experience the craft and purchase works directly from local artisans.

See also

• Japanese ceramics and pottery
• Edo period
• Fukushima Prefecture
• Stoneware

References

• Cort, Louise Allison. Seto and Mino Ceramics. Weatherhill, 1992.
• Fukushima Prefectural Museum. The Ceramics of Aizu, exhibition catalog, 2001.