Hello, I'm Hana. Today, I'll be talking about the traditional Japanese craft known as Mino ware (we say “Mino Yaki”), which is something Japan is proud of. Mino ware has undergone various transformations throughout its long history, becoming a versatile choice for everyday tableware and special gifts. Join me as we explore the history of Mino ware, with its diverse patterns, textures, and designs, and discover the myriad charms and recommended ways to use Mino ware. I hope that after reading this article, you'll come to appreciate the allure of Mino ware and find a piece that becomes your personal favorite.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is Mino Ware?
Differences Between Japanese and Western Tableware
The History of Mino Ware
Multiple Types of Mino Ware
Hana's Recommendations for How to Use Mino Ware
In Conclusion...
What is Mino Ware?
Mino ware refers to the ceramics produced in the southeastern region of Gifu Prefecture. This area is renowned as Japan's largest ceramic production region, with over half of the ceramics in the country originating here. In 1978, all 15 types of Mino ware were designated as traditional crafts, solidifying its status as a representative ceramic art form in Japan.
Thanks to artisans adapting to changing times with new techniques and values, Mino ware has evolved into sought-after ceramics that meet the demands of the times. Let's explore the various charms of the world of Mino ware, a world unconfined by boundaries and filled with diverse allure.
Differences Between Japanese and Western Tableware
While Mino ware is a versatile representation of Japanese ceramics, it's essential to understand the distinctions between Japanese and Western tableware.
Cultural Differences in Dining Habits
In Japan, there is a tradition of holding tableware while eating,
whereas in many Western cultures, dishes are placed on the table, and people use knives and forks to eat.
Variety of Tableware:
Japanese households often have individual sets of dishes, such as personal rice bowls and chopsticks, with each family member having their designated color or favorite character-themed dish. In contrast, Western cultures commonly use large plates to serve food, with each person serving themselves on individual plates.
These cultural differences influence the preferred materials for tableware – lightweight and finely crafted ceramics in Japan, and sturdy porcelain often made with materials like stone in the West.
The History of Mino Ware
To better understand the prevalent use of ceramics in Japanese dining culture, let's delve into the extensive history of Mino ware and how it underwent various transformations.
Originating from the Korean Peninsula:
The beginnings of Mino ware date back to around 500 AD when pottery techniques known as "ana-gama" (tunnel kiln) and "roku-ro" (potter's wheel) were brought from the Korean Peninsula. These techniques gave birth to Suemono, earthenware produced by digging into the ground. This technology spread to the southeastern region of Gifu Prefecture, where it developed into a unique craft.
(Ref. https://www.hwmm.jp/collection/sue_pottery/)
Introduction of Decorative Elements:
In the Heian period (794-1185 AD), Suemono was refined, leading to the creation of Shirashi — a white porcelain using plant ash and glaze. This glaze, a solution applied to the surface of ceramics to turn it into glass, prevented cracking caused by water absorption, enhancing durability. The application of glaze also allowed for decorative changes in gloss and texture, a technique still used in modern ceramics.
Mino Ware in Everyday Use:
By the Kamakura period (1185-1333 AD), unglazed teacups were being mass-produced for everyday use. Not using glaze highlighted the natural material and the texture created by firing, a departure from the glazed ceramics used in the Heian period. This deliberate choice to forgo glaze gave rise to a new approach.
Evolution of Kilns:
In the Muromachi period (1336-1573 AD), kilns evolved from the ground-level ana-gama to semi-elevated large kilns. These large kilns were more efficient, allowing for increased production. This advancement further stimulated ceramic production in the region.
Development of Tea Culture and Basic Styles:
During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603 AD), ceramics reflecting the artistry of the tea culture, where people gathered to enjoy tea, were created. This era saw the birth of basic Mino ware styles such as Oribe, Shino, and Ki-Seto. These visually appealing ceramics captivated people, leading Mino ware to flourish not only locally but also spreading to Kyoto, Osaka, and Edo (modern-day Tokyo).
Divergence from Kyoto Ware and Pursuit of Expression:
However, in the Edo period (1603-1868 AD), ceramics used in tea ceremonies shifted to "Kyoto ware" produced in Kyoto. Production of Mino ware in the southeastern region of Gifu declined. In the Taisho period (1912-1926 AD), amidst the rise of Kyoto ware, Mino ware artisans began creating artistic craftworks to sustain their trade. The Showa period (1926-1989) saw technological advancements, enabling mass production of Mino ware at affordable prices, making it widely popular nationwide and eventually designated as a traditional craft.
Multiple Types of Mino Ware
Mino ware, having undergone various transformations, is not a singular entity but consists of 15 designated traditional craft types. The common feature among these 15 types is that they intentionally lack a distinctive characteristic.
Here, let's explore four fundamental styles of Mino ware, diving deeper into the notion that the absence of a distinctive feature is, in fact, the distinctive feature of Mino ware.
Oribe — Embracing Distortion as an Aesthetic:
Oribe was named after the tea master Furuta Oribe, who ordered ceramics to suit his preferences. It’s characterized by bold forms, vivid green glazes, and geometric patterns. Oribe embraced the distortion of forms as an artistic element, displaying both audacious shapes and striking designs.
Shino — Japan's First White Ware:
Shino is known for its gentle white color and the unique patterns created during the cooling process after firing. It was the first white ware made exclusively from the mineral feldspar. Previously, pottery was made by mixing feldspar with ash glaze, resulting in non-white ceramics. Shino's distinctive feature includes countless bubble-like holes, referred to as "yuzuhada," considered the pinnacle of Japanese ceramics in the tea ceremony world.
Ki-Seto — Soft Yellow and Floral Patterns Evoke Luxury:
(Ref. 美濃焼伝統工芸品協同組合 | 黄瀬戸 (minoyaki.gr.jp))
Ki-Seto, with its refined and undistorted shapes compared to other Mino ware styles, is distinguished by soft yellow tones and depictions of floral patterns. It’s often used for high-quality items such as bowls, flower-arranging vessels, and ornamental ceramics.
Seto Black — Elegance in Profound Black:
Seto Black emerged during a time when only reddish-black tea bowls were available. It gained appreciation from tea practitioners for its deep, beautiful black color. The technique involves applying iron glaze, firing at high temperatures, and quickly cooling the ceramics outside the kiln. This process produces a beautiful black finish. Seto Black, with its matte and glossy variations, has become popular not only in traditional Japanese cuisine but also in various culinary settings.
While these are just four of the basic styles of Mino ware, did any particular design catch your interest? Mino ware, which allows one to appreciate distortion and color as expressions, has continually evolved, producing various designs unbound by traditional constraints.
Hana's Recommendations for How to Use Mino Ware
After exploring the history and characteristics of Mino ware, as well as its various styles, let’s imagine its usage in different scenarios. In recent times, Mino ware has been crafted not only for functionality but also for its stylish and modern designs, making it popular as a "Japanese modern style." Here are my recommendations for how to use Mino ware:
For Everyday Use:
Serve pasta or salad on a large plate or present colorful sweets on a pure white dish during tea time. Mino ware is perfect for enhancing the visual appeal of your meals.
With Japanese Cuisine:
Mino ware naturally shines when enjoying traditional Japanese meals. Embrace the beauty of Mino ware in a Japanese modern-style setting.
For Sake Enthusiasts:
If you enjoy Japanese sake, consider experiencing an authentic night with a refined "tokkuri" and "ochoko" set. It's a great way to feel the essence of Japan.
For Display and Admiration:
If you collect Mino ware as a hobby, a striking flower vase could be an eye-catching addition. Placing it at the entrance of your home or on a side table allows you to experience the depth of ceramic culture.
As Restaurant Tableware:
For those in the restaurant business, the choice of tableware is crucial. Using Mino ware with simple yet uniquely designed patterns can visually enhance the presentation of your dishes.
In Conclusion
The world of Mino ware, filled with various charms and versatile appearances, offers a captivating journey through time. The fact that Mino ware has persisted through the ages, adapting to the demands of each era while maintaining its craftsmanship and the unique characteristic of being free from strict types and shapes, is a testament to the artisans who have continuously challenged themselves. I encourage you to explore the traditional Japanese craft of Mino ware, discover your own favorite piece, and appreciate the rich history and artistic expressions it carries.