A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Pottery: From Jōmon to Modern

Discover the rich history of Japanese pottery, from the ancient cord-marked vessels of the Jōmon period to the refined porcelain of the Edo era and the living traditions of today. A complete beginn...

The Phantom Pottery: Why Did Suzuyaki Disappear for 400 Years?

For 300 years, Suzuyaki was a dominant force in Japanese ceramics, then it vanished. Explore the historical theories behind the mysterious 400-year disappearance of this “phantom pottery.”

Why Suzu-yaki Turns Black: The Science of Reduction Firing

Discover the dramatic firing process that gives Suzuyaki its profound, smoky-black color. We explore the science of oxygen reduction in a traditional anagama kiln and how it transforms clay into a ...

Japan's Six Ancient Kilns: A Thousand-Year Legacy of Fire and Clay

Discover the Rokkoyō — Japan's Six Ancient Kilns — that have shaped the country's pottery tradition for over 800 years. From unglazed Bizen to refined Seto, each kiln tells a unique story of earth,...