Akazu ware

Akazu-keramik (japanska: 赤津焼, Akazu-yaki) är en typ av traditionell japansk keramik som produceras i staden Seto, Aichi prefektur, Japan. Den anses vara en av de representativa stilarna inom seto-keramik (瀬戸焼, Seto-yaki) och är särskilt känd för sin användning av historiska glaseringstekniker.

Historia

Keramikproduktionen i Seto-regionen går tillbaka till Heian-perioden (794–1185). Akazu-keramik utvecklades som en av de distinkta stilarna inom den bredare traditionen av Setokeramik. Under Edo-perioden (1603–1868) utsågs Akazu till en av de officiella ugnsplatserna som betjänade Owari-grenen av Tokugawa-klanen, vilket ytterligare höjde dess prestige.

In 1610, following the relocation of the shogunate to Edo, Tokugawa Yoshinao (the first lord of Owari) ordered several potters to establish kilns in the Akazu area of Seto. This laid the foundation for the style’s continuity up to the present day.

Characteristics

Akazu ware is characterized by the continuation of seven traditional glazes known collectively as the Seto Shichiyū (瀬戸七釉, "Seven Seto Glazes"). These include:

• Kiseto (黄瀬戸, yellow Seto)
• Shino (志野)
• Oribe (織部)
• Ash glaze (灰釉, haiyū)
• Iron glaze (鉄釉, tetsuyū)
• Feldspar glaze (長石釉, chōsekkiyū)
• Black Seto (黒瀬戸, kuroseto)

These glazes give Akazu ware a wide range of aesthetic expressions, from earthy and rustic to refined and elegant.

Modern recognition

Today, Akazu ware continues to be produced by potters in Seto who maintain traditional techniques while also innovating with modern designs. In 1977, it was designated as an official Traditional Craft (伝統的工芸品, Dentōteki kōgeihin) of Japan by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

See also

• Japanese ceramics and pottery
• Seto ware
• Mino ware

References

• KOGEI Japan – “Akazu ware (Akazu Yaki)”: description, history, and glazing techniques
• Wikipedia – “Akazu ware”: history, glaze types, Traditional Craft designation, museum details
• Culture & Arts Foundation – historical development of glazes and enamel techniques
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government – traditional craft description, tech and decoration methods

External links

• Aichi Prefecture – Akazu Pottery (official English site)
• Japan National Tourism Organization – Akazu ware