Oribe ware

Oribe ware is a style of Japanese pottery that developed in the late Momoyama period (late 16th to early 17th century) in the kilns of Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture). It is one of the most distinctive substyles associated with Seto ware and is celebrated for its bold designs and vivid green glaze.

History

Oribe ware is named after the tea master Furuta Oribe (1544–1615), a disciple of Sen no Rikyū, who is believed to have inspired its unique aesthetic. The style emerged during a period of innovation in Japanese ceramics closely tied to the evolution of the tea ceremony.

Production began in Mino kilns such as those at Tajimi and Mizunami, which had previously produced Shino ware. Oribe represented a shift toward more colorful and asymmetrical pottery, reflecting a playful and creative spirit.

Characteristics

Oribe ware is known for:

• Copper-green glaze (緑釉, ryokuyū), producing rich emerald tones.
• Asymmetrical forms and intentionally irregular shapes.
• Bold painted motifs, often in iron-oxide underglaze, depicting plants, geometric patterns, or abstract designs.
• A combination of glazed and unglazed surfaces on the same piece.
• Strong visual contrast between green glaze and white or earthy clay.

Types

Various subtypes developed, including:

• Ao-Oribe – predominantly green-glazed pieces with painted decoration.
• Kuro-Oribe – black-glazed ware with bold white slip designs.
• Aka-Oribe – reddish-brown surfaces combined with white slip and painted motifs.
• **Oribe-Shino** – combining Shino’s white glaze with Oribe’s decorative style.

Cultural significance

Oribe ware brought a new dynamism to the Japanese tea ceremony, breaking away from the subdued aesthetics of earlier styles like Shino ware. Its designs often embody a sense of humor, surprise, and freedom, aligning with the more playful aspects of wabi-sabi.

Modern production

Today Oribe ware is still produced in Gifu Prefecture and other ceramic centers. Contemporary potters continue to experiment with shapes and designs while maintaining the vibrant glazes that define the style.

See also

• Shino ware
• Ki-Seto
• Seto ware
• Japanese tea ceremony

External links

• Tajimi City official website (in Japanese)
• Tajimi Tourism Association (in Japanese)