Bizen ware by Kawaguchitorakuen
BIZEN WARE, AKA IMBE WARE.
It started in and around Imbe village in Bizen province. Known for its reddish and brown color. Such color is made by iron contained in used clay.
Another feature is its significant hardness created by high temperature firing and length of firing. Length of firing is around 14 days. Mythologically speaking, in a way, it is said that Bizen ware won't break even if thrown.
Unlike other potteries, Bizen ware's singularity is finished products are not identical. In other words, all finished products will not look the same even made in same lot, same material. So, if you buy one Bizen ware, you are the only owner of one's that is bought.
If you are going to Okayama or near prefecture, looking at Bizen ware is something unmissable.
Price of potteries vary from reasonable to expensive.
Pottery shop called Kawaguchitorakuen sales wide range of Bizen ware products.
Here's some of the items sold at their store.
(Note that there may not be the one exactly identical that introduced.)
Bizen kataguchihachi.
Price: ¥8,000
Produced by Mr. Soga. Approximately 6inch diameter, 2.7 inch hight.
Bizenzara.
Price: ¥8,000
Produced by Mr. Soga. Approximately 7.5 inch diameter, 1.7 inch hight.
Hidasukichoshi.
Price: ¥38,000
Produced by Mr. Morimoto. Approximately 6inch x 4inch, 5inch hight.
Bizenshuhari.
Price: ¥60,000
Produced by Mr. Takenaka. Approximately 5.5inch diameter, 2.8inch hight.
Bizenshuten.
Price: ¥450,000
Produced by Mr. Toyo Kaneshige. Approximately 2.7inch diameter, 1.3inch hight. Potteries produced by this master are only available what are sold since he passed away. This master and his skill is known as intangible asset. Artworks of Kaneshige are firmly favored by pottery fans in Japan.
Depending on the pottery you are planning to purchase, you may need to apply to Cultural Affairs, government of Japan.
(Check with store staff if the pottery is important cultural asset. If not, then, no need to apply.)
Agency of Cultural Affairs of Japan official site.
Where to buy: "Kawaguchitorakuen"
Address: 1813, Shizutani, Bizen city, Okayama
Open hours: 10:00 to 17:30
Closed on: New year
Kawaguchitorakuen official site.
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