Kasama ware
🏛️ National Cultural Property
This craft is recognized as an official cultural property at the national level.
🌿 Living Tradition
This craft continues to be practiced today and remains part of the community’s cultural life.
🔄 Revival Movement
This craft has been revived in modern times through education, research, or artisan initiatives.
Kasama ware (笠間焼) is a traditional Japanese stoneware produced in and around the city of Kasama in Ibaraki Prefecture. Known for its flexible stylistic approach, diverse glazes, and fine, durable clay, Kasama ware has evolved from everyday utilitarian pottery into a prominent center for both traditional and contemporary ceramics.
History
The origins of Kasama ware date to the late 18th century (Edo period), when potters from the Shigaraki region migrated to the Kasama area and introduced their ceramic techniques. The early production focused on practical, robust wares such as water jars, rice storage containers, cooking pots, and other tools of daily life.
During the late Edo and Meiji periods, Kasama developed into a regional pottery hub due to its:
- readily accessible fine-grained clay,
- proximity to major trade routes,
- growing population of skilled potters.
By the 20th century, Kasama became known for its openness to innovation. Many independent ceramic artists settled in the area, attracted by the freedom to experiment with forms, glazes, and firing methods. This influx of individual kilns and artistic studios transformed Kasama into one of Japan’s most active centers of contemporary ceramic expression.
Characteristics
Kasama ware is not defined by a single rigid style but is instead characterised by:
- Flexible and individualistic design – potters are free to create both traditional shapes and highly experimental forms.
- Durable, fine-grained clay – the local clay is easy to shape, resistant to cracking, and suited for both hand-building and wheel throwing.
- Diverse glazing traditions – including ash glazes, iron glazes, feldspar-based glazes, natural earthy tones, and bold contemporary finishes.
- Wide range of firing techniques – electric, gas, wood-fired, and anagama kilns are all used.
This stylistic freedom distinguishes Kasama ware from more codified traditions such as Bizen ware, Shigaraki ware, or Karatsu ware.
Production
While methods vary significantly, the general production of Kasama ware includes:
- Clay preparation using locally sourced fine-grained clay.
- Forming vessels on the potter’s wheel or through hand-building.
- Application of natural ash, feldspar, iron, or blended glazes.
- Firing in a variety of kilns, from modern electric kilns to traditional wood-fired kilns.
- Finishing and polishing, depending on the intended style.
The openness to technique is a core hallmark of the region’s craft identity.
Uses
Kasama ware includes a broad range of objects, such as:
- everyday tableware, bowls, plates, and cups
- tea utensils (tea bowls, water jars, incense containers)
- flower vases and ikebana vessels
- storage jars and functional stoneware
- sculptural ceramic works and contemporary art pieces
Its versatility makes Kasama ware popular among both everyday consumers and collectors.
Kasama Today
Kasama remains one of Japan’s most active ceramic-producing regions. It is home to:
- numerous traditional and modern kilns
- independent ceramic studios and galleries
- the Kasama Craft Hills complex (笠間工芸の丘), a major center for ceramic exhibitions, workshops, and cultural programs
- yearly pottery festivals such as the Kasama Pottery Festival (笠間焼陶炎祭, Hi Matsuri)
The region is recognised as a significant hub for both traditional Japanese pottery and avant-garde ceramic art.
References
- Kasama Craft Hills – Official information on the history and characteristics of Kasama ware.
- Ibaraki Prefecture Cultural Promotion Division – Documentation on regional crafts and ceramic traditions.
- Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square – Profile of Kasama ware and its contemporary development.
