Introducing Kutani Ware!

This article introduces Kutani ware alongside the video "Traditional Japanese Crafts・Kutani Ware Glazing" (日本の伝統工芸品・九谷焼の染め付け).

Kutani ware started around the Edo Period (1603-1868) in Kanazawa city, Ishikawa in Japan's Hokuriku region. It was originally called Kokutani ware.

Today, Komatsu-city, Kaga-city, and Noumi-city are famous for the production of Kutani ware.
The piece in the video is by Kamide Chouzaemon, one of Japan's leading Kutani pottery makers.
The video is only about a minute long, but it shows the amazing dyeing technique used to make the beautiful, traditional Japanese pottery.

How Kutani Ware Is Made

Source :YouTube screenshot

The signature liquid cobalt oxide is used to dye Kutani ware, which gives us a feel for Japanese culture.
Kutani ware is produced by using a thin brush to draw precise patterns which requires the skills of a master craftsman.
Patterns are drawn on the Kutani ware, using the brown cobalt oxide as a base material, after which they are fired in a kiln. From there, the color of the brown cobalt oxide changes into a beautiful shade of blue.
This method of painting Kutani ware using blue, green, yellow, purple, and red within its patterns is called Kutani Gosai.

Where to Purchase the Kutani Ware

Kutani ware, made by famous craftsmen and artists, is considered an art, and can be rather expensive.
However, there is some Kutani ware sold at reasonable prices.

Kutani ware can be viewed and purchased at museums and porcelain/ceramics markets in Kanazawa.
They have Kutani ware bowls, small plates, teacups, china bowls, tea pots, vases, and more.
You can buy different pieces and incorporate them into your daily life.
Their products are also available on the internet through retailers such as Amazon and Rakuten.
Enjoying a Kutani ware demo at a workshop also makes for a memorable experience.
By adding Kutani ware to your table, you can appreciate Japanese traditional culture more deeply.

Summary of Japan's Traditional Kutani Ware

Source :YouTube screenshot

As you can see in the video, each piece of Kutani ware is hand dyed by a craftsman.

The dyeing process of Kutani ware has been handed down for hundreds of years.
Be sure to watch the video to see the amazing craftsmanship of Kutani ware craftsmen.