Koishiwara ware originated from the establishment of a kiln in the Fukuoka prefecture in the latter half of the 17th century. This traditional pottery style has some very special features that lie in the way in which the pottery is decorated using brush strokes on the large dishes and the large pots with their chatter marks. Using techniques which have barely altered over the centuries, Koishiwara ware represents a true Cultural and historic patrimony For Japan.
Ancient Tradition
A tradition born over 400 years ago Koishiwara ware represents everything we love about Japanese products: style, beauty, simplicity, elegance and an understated way of being ornamental without sacrificing function. With a detailed craftsmanship developed so long ago, it is amazing to see how much of the tradition has carried through the years. And amazing indeed is the way every piece remains unique because it is handmade, so owning one or several is owning a little historic treasure from Japan.
Beautiful Ware
Koishiwara Ware is produced following ancient techniques that have been maintained through the generations and that take place in a sequence in order to produce the stunning Koishiwara Ware. The first to take place is Tobikanna which is a step in which the half dried piece is painted by pouring paint on it while it rotates on the potter’s wheel, then it is time for Hakeme Kushime, Where the artisan takes a brush and applies it to the paint, while the dish is still rotating to paint the pattern on the piece, Soon follows Yubikaki which consists of painting curved lines in the still wet paint with the fingers. Then comes Nagashikake which is pouring glaze over the piece on the turning disk on the outside, and Uchikake the same thing on the inside of the piece. Last but not least comes Pongaki, the last stage of painting. The following of these stages is crucial to making these pieces. Here we present you a selection of beautiful pieces available on our site.
Plates
We all enjoy making the most ordinary parts of day-to-day life special and exciting, Maybe our meals or down time. You might not be able to travel to Japan, but you can surely get a feel of its culture and artistic identity by eating your meals in Koishiwara Plates. Get beautiful plates filled with artistic meaning on our site, where we have many options for you to choose from.
Cups
You need a set of traditional Koishiwara tea cups for tea time, or your morning coffee, with their minimalist hand carved designs they make using tableware a special occasion. The potters that make the pieces pride themselves in a trait that only their ware has: “Yonobi” which means “beauty of usage”. Enjoy the Yonobi with your own set of mugs, you can find many on our site.
Bowls
There is an intricate and particular way of hand painting, dripping and hand carving on the beautiful pottery pieces of traditional Koishiwara ware, with geometrical designs that make every single piece unique and filled with character. One of the best ways to showcase these designs is in the gorgeous decorative bowls, they come in many sizes and can also be used as everyday table ware. Go check out our site and get some of these pieces for yourself.
After Word
With an ancient tradition that dates back to over 400 years ago there is just to many reasons to love Koishiwara Ware, an art form that transcends the barrier of time and stays relevant in current times. The people in Koishiwara potteries continue to produce pieces continuously and make sure the tradition is being kept alive. This kind of ware is sturdy and simple, yet it is also elegant, beautiful and full of personality. If you want to make everyday ware feel like a special occasion, visit our site and get some pieces of functional art for your own home.
