Hakeme
Hakeme (Japanese: 刷毛目) is a ceramic decorative technique in which white slip is applied to the surface of pottery using visible brush strokes. The term hakeme literally means "brush marks" and refers to the distinctive streaked patterns created during the application of slip.
In this technique, a potter brushes liquid clay slip over the surface of a vessel, usually while the clay is still in a leather-hard state. The slip is applied using a coarse brush, often made from plant fibers or straw, producing expressive linear marks across the surface.
The brush strokes remain visible after firing and create a characteristic pattern in which the white slip contrasts with the darker clay body beneath. The result often displays a sense of movement and spontaneity, as the brush marks follow the gestures of the potter.
Hakeme decoration is commonly combined with a transparent glaze, which softens the contrast between the slip and the clay while preserving the texture of the brush strokes.
The technique has been widely used in Japanese ceramics, particularly in traditions influenced by Korean pottery. Hakeme surfaces appear in wares such as Karatsu ware, Hagi ware, and other stoneware traditions.
