BIZENYAKI
Traditional pottery with a history that dates back to the Kofun period, and recognized as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, has been designated as a Japanese Heritage.
Bizen ware boasts the longest history among Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, with its roots tracing back to Sue ware from the Kofun period. The manufacturing process evolved over time, taking its present form between the Kamakura and Momoyama periods. The Imbe area of Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, is a representative production site of Bizen ware, known for its unglazed high-temperature firing technique, resulting in its distinctive hardness. In the past, water jars and grinding bowls were crafted to bring out the natural qualities of the clay. However, with the rise in popularity of the tea ceremony, tea utensils and tea pottery became the primary products. In the mid-Edo period, the production of decorative ornaments and incense burners, known as Saikumono began and later expanded to include everyday household items. In 1982, Bizen ware was designated as one of Japan's National Traditional Crafts. In April 2017, it was redesignated as a Japan Heritage site under the title the " Enchanting Six Ancient Kilns - Ceramics Born and Raised in Japan." Since ancient times, production has consistently preserved The unglazed high-firing Technique and traditional beauty.
- Continuing the evolution of craftsmanship inherited Living National Treasure.
- Bizen ware features several techniques, one of which is "Hidasuki" (fire marks), where patterns resembling a red cord are created, using Yohen (scorched surface coloring) to produce unexpected hues and patterns due to the nature of the flame during firing. Mr. Yuichi Yamamoto of the ”Yuichi and Ryuichi Yamamoto Workshop" has pursued the art of Hidasuki, achieving stable firing through exceptional techniques and innovation. He was a master craftsman who not only mastered the techniques but also shared them with Bizen artisans, passing on knowledge and the techniques for the future craftsmanship of Bizen ware. He also established techniques such as "Himon" (red patterns), where extracts are used to intentionally create Hidasuki, and "Hisai" (scarlet hues) where extracts are mixed with ash to produce a range of hues. His achievements were highly valued, and in 1996, he was designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture. He is known as a " Master of the potter's wheel," demonstrating extraordinary techniques worthy of his father, Mr. Tosyu Yamamoto, who was a Living National Treasure. Currently, the workshop is led by the third generation owner, Mr. Ryuichi Yamamoto, who is well versed in the art of tea ceremony and specializes in tea pottery and flower vases. While mastering traditional beauty, he also pursues a style that incorporates new sensibilities. Works that express the essence of Bizen ware, symbolizing the dialogue between clay and fire, have continued to captivate people's hearts.
Creator Introduction
Yuichi Yamamoto Ryuichi Yamamoto
Yuichi Yamamoto: The eldest son of Tosyu Yamamoto, who was a Living National Treasure. In 1959, he apprenticed under his father and began his journey in pottery. His pottery primarily shaped on a potter's wheel, and the principles he values most in pottery are "First the clay, second the firing, and third the craftsmanship." He was the first to introduce a gas kiln to the Bizen ware, bringing about stable firing. Ryuichi Yamamoto: Born in 1964.
The eldest son of Yuichi Yamamoto. Since 1989, he has apprenticed under his grandfather and father to refine his pottery techniques. He became independent in 1992. While respecting the traditions of Bizen ware, he also values self-expression. Regular member of the Japan Kogei Association.
Awards History
- Yuichi Yamamoto: Awarded the “Kaneshige Toyo Award,” “Okayama Prefecture Cultural Encouragement Award” and other awards.
- Ryuichi Yamamoto: Awarded the “Japan awards Association Chugoku Branch Exhibition Sanyo Newspaper Award,” “Okayama Prefecture Art Exhibition Prefectural Exhibition Award” and other awards.
Yuichi and Ryuichi Yamamoto Workshop
- Address
- 881-2 Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture 705-0001
- TEL-FAX
- 0869-64-2448
0869-64-3688 - Business Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00
Sales method
- Price:
Tea utensils From JPY 15,000 (Size: Approximately 20 cm and above. Weight: Approximately 300 g and above.)
Flower vase From JPY 15,000 (Size: Approximately 30 cm and above. Weight: Approximately 500 g and above.) - Direct purchase available: (Payment: Cash, Credit Cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners)
- Authorized Dealer: "Yuichi and Ryuichi Yamamoto Workshop" Gallery, Bizen ware gallery and cafe "Riho", Bizen ware kiln "Bisyugama"
- Custom orders available. (Personalization and engraving are available; negotiable depending on the quantity.)
*All items are one-of-a-kind and may be sold out. - International shipping: Please inquire for details.
- Bulk orders welcome.
(Approximately 300 units within 2 to 3 months. *Availability varies depending on the product.) - Workshop Experience: Available
(Required time) 2-3 hour course, 5-6 hour course
*Starting times are negotiable. Available for 1 to 6 participants.
(Fee) JPY 15,000/2-3 hour course, JPY 30,000/5-6 hour course
(Workshop details) Learn about the fascinating process of creating Bizen ware, from clay preparation, shaping, kiln loading, firing, unloading, and the final polishing. Our guided tour includes visits to the clay storage area and kiln site. - Workshop experience to create your own pottery using both manual and electric potter's wheels in our private studio. (Including the firing fees for 2 works.)
*Our 5-6 hour course includes lunch or dinner with a Bizen ware artist, served on Bizen ware dishes, and firing fees for 5 works.
Factory tours are available. *Except during peak seasons.
(Required time) 60 minutes
(Fee) 1 person: JPY 5,000, 2 persons: JPY 3,000 for each, 3 or more persons: JPY 2,000 for each.
(Workshop details) Enjoy matcha tea and traditional sweets served in Bizen ware tea bowls. Learn about the fascinating process of creating Bizen ware, from clay preparation, shaping, kiln loading, firing, unloading, and the final polishing. Our guided tour includes visits to the clay storage area and kiln site. The artist will demonstrate using a potter's wheel. - Examples
Exhibited and sold at Bizen ware gallery and cafe "Riho" (Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture).
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