Koishiwara

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Koishiwara

Durable with a simple design! Visit the home of Fukuoka's representative ceramic artisans in search of pottery that you can cherish and use for a long time.

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Koishiwara district in Toho Village, Asakura District, located at the eastern end of central Fukuoka Prefecture. At an altitude of about 200 to 500 m, the quiet mountainous area with giant cedar trees planted by mountain ascetics has been known as a pottery town for about 350 years, with "red clay" taken from the surrounding mountains, which is the raw material for clay bowls. It is also said that the origin came in 1682, when the third feudal lord of the Fukuoka domain started making pottery learning from Imari city, where porcelain production was flourishing.

Koishiwara ware is a bowl for everyday use. Adding touch ups to the dark clay, using the cutting edge of a plane like the "Tobigan'na" technique to make small shavings and the "Hake-me" technique to put a pattern on clay with a brush while turning the potter's wheel.
The feature of "Koishiwara ware" is the "sinking" technique, in which the glaze is hung from a certain height on the surface while turning the potter's wheel and at this stage, directly glaze without baking the clay which is a quite unique technique.

Although it has a simple taste, it is hard and durable because it is firmly made. Bernard Leach and Soetsu Yanagi, who had a great influence on the Japanese ceramic art world, praised Koishiwara ware as "the ultimate beauty in utilitarian objects made by the common people.

Currently, there are about 40 kilns, and in May and October every year, a pottery festival is held to coincide with the opening of the kiln.

Highlights

  • The simple designs and textures are charming.
  • It is popular as a daily-use bowl because of its warm pattern and durability.
  • Pottery festivals are held in spring and autumn.

Photos

  • A bowl made with 【Tobigan'na】method and a bowl made with 【Hake-me】
method.

    A bowl made with 【Tobigan'na】method and a bowl made with 【Hake-me】 method.

  • Every kiln has its own gallery.

    Every kiln has its own gallery.

  • Some pieces retain tradition while having a modern touch.

    Some pieces retain tradition while having a modern touch.

  • Experience different styles at each kiln.

    Experience different styles at each kiln.

  • Ceramic art experience is also held at "Koishiwara Yaki Traditional Industry Hall" and each kiln.

    Ceramic art experience is also held at "Koishiwara Yaki Traditional Industry Hall" and each kiln.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
小石原
Postal Code
838-1692
Address
Koishiwara, Tohomura, Asakuragun, Fukuoka
Telephone
0946-72-2313(Toho village Office Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism Division)
Closed
Varies by store
Business Hours
Varies by store
Access
From Hakata Bus Terminal or Nishitetsu Tenjin Express Bus Terminal, change to the Nishitetsu Bus "Haki" and get off at Nishitetsu Bus "Koishihara".
And you will reach your destination.