شكرا جزيلا

Japanese pottery has its origins in the Jomon period, approximately 13,000 years ago. During this time, the first earthenware was created within a hunter-gatherer society, primarily for storing and cooking food. In the subsequent Yayoi period, the development of an agricultural society led to more practical and durable pottery. Techniques such as the use of the potter’s wheel and high-temperature firing, introduced from the Korean Peninsula, contributed to the evolution of Yayoi pottery.

As technology advanced, Japanese pottery continued to develop. In the Heian period, glazed ceramics began to appear. Seto City in Aichi Prefecture is especially notable as the birthplace of glazed pottery in Japan. Seto, known as one of the "Six Ancient Kilns" along with Echizen, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Tamba, and Bizen, has a history of ceramic production that continues to this day.

Japanese pottery is deeply connected to the tea ceremony. Tea bowls and other utensils are not merely functional items but are essential for expressing seasonal themes and the spirit of ichigo ichie—the concept of treasuring once-in-a-lifetime encounters. The handmade textures and the colors of glazes reflect a refined aesthetic sense and convey warmth and depth.

Across Japan, each region has developed its own unique pottery culture. Local kilns use natural resources such as regional clay and glazes, resulting in distinctive forms and colors. These regional characteristics have helped shape the cultural identity of each area, making pottery a vital part of Japan’s cultural heritage.