Mashiko ware/rup

Teller - Mashiko-yaki

Mashiko ware (nanichi, Mashiko-nanichi) easti unã turlie di oali niaponeshtsã adrati tru shi anvarliga di cãsãbãlu Mashiko ditu Prefectura Tochigi, tru Japonia. Cunuscutã trã simplãtatea lui rustã, sticluirea naturalã shi formele robuste, vitele Mashiko agiumse unulu di atseale mai recunoscute exemple di oalã Mingei (masturizare) din Japonia.

Istoria ghizǎlirã Productsia di oali di la Mashiko ahurhi tru 1853, cãnd un oalimen di la Kashisama di aproapea, Keisabur -bashitsbashi, ãnhiintsã un cireap tru zonã. Loclu aflat la Mashiko agiumsi s-hibã multu lucrãbil shi ghini ndreptu trã vitele di cafi dzuuã, di dusi la crishtearea industriei di oali dit reghiune.

Initsial, vitele Mashiko eara adrati prota s-prota tra scupadzljii di amveki, vasele di apã, containerli ti adunari shi vitele di masa di cathi dzuua. Aesti lucri s-vindu localu shi tru prefecturli di anvarliga.

Tru secolu XX, Mashiko ware agiumsi s-hibã cunuscutã internatsional di itia a influentsãllei al Shedzãji Hamada (1894-1978), unã figurã di prota thesi tru minarea Mingei. Hamada s-curdisi Mashiko tru 1924, iu lucra tra s-nyeadza tehnitli traditsionale shi tra s-promoveadza valoarea a oalilor adrati di mana a lui. Lucrul a lui, deadun cu atsel a alãntor oaliciori, featse timbihi a lumiljei ãn Mashiko ca cãsãbã di oalici.

Caracterismi

Mashiko ware easti cãnãscut trã:

• Local clay: The clay from Mashiko contains a high iron content, producing a warm, earthy tone after firing.
• Natural glazes: Common glazes include ash (nami-jiru), kaki (persimmon-brown), namako (blue-grey), and white slip.
• Rustic simplicity: The shapes are typically robust and unpretentious, reflecting the folk craft aesthetic.
• Handcrafted nature: Even in modern times, much of Mashiko ware is made by hand on the potter’s wheel.

The firing process traditionally uses climbing kilns (noborigama), though electric and gas kilns are now common.

Mashiko Today

Mashiko remains a thriving pottery town with over 400 kilns and workshops. It hosts the Mashiko Pottery Fair twice a year (spring and autumn), attracting thousands of visitors from Japan and abroad. Many contemporary potters in Mashiko balance tradition with innovation, creating both classic utilitarian wares and modern artistic pieces.

The town also houses the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, which preserves the legacy of Shōji Hamada and exhibits works from potters around the world.

Notable Potters

• Shōji Hamada – Living National Treasure, key figure in Mingei movement.
• Tatsuzō Shimaoka – Student of Hamada, awarded the title of Living National Treasure in 1996.
• Numerous contemporary artisans carrying forward Mashiko's traditions.

References

1. Cort, Louise Allison. Shōji Hamada: A Potter's Way and Work. Kodansha International, 1979.
2. Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art official site.
3. Japan National Tourism Organization: Mashiko Pottery.