MORI TOKI｜Otani ware

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Brand

Times change, and traditions respond to change.

MORI TOKI

1912
Otani ware
Yukio Mori

History

The only "Nerokuro" technique in Japan

We are an Otani pottery kiln established in Ooasacho, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture in 1912.

We have the largest climbing kiln in Japan, which is registered as a national tangible cultural property, and many visitors are overwhelmed by the large jars that fill the site, but also feel a sense of nostalgia.

The largest jar has a capacity of about 900 liters and is made of "Nerokuro".

This technique was handed down from Shigaraki ware and can only be seen today in the process of making large Otani ware.

In Nerokuro, two people work in pairs.

One person lies down and spins the wheel with his feet, and the other person uses the centrifugal force to form the jar.

The person who kicks the spinning wheel while lying down adjusts the rhythm and speed of the kicking while observing how hard the person who is molding is working.

The work is completed when both parties breathe in unison, and requires a great deal of skill.

Jars large enough to hold two adults used to be made for indigo dyeing, a local specialty, but as indigo dyeing became obsolete, the demand for large jars also decreased.

Therefore, the kilns began to make more small items such as daily necessities.

Now, of the six Otani pottery studios, we are the only one that makes large items.

Although needs change with the times, our spirit of wanting to create something new that meets the needs of the time while inheriting traditional techniques will always remain the same.

Characteristic

Large jars and tableware are all handmade.

Otani ware, which has a history of about 240 years, developed due to the demand for large jars used to hold indigo solution when making indigo dye.

As time went by, not only large pottery, but also daily utensils such as tableware, vases, and interior items were produced.

There are many different types of Otani ware, as each potter and craftsman has a different way of applying the glaze, thickness, and decoration method.

Otani ware has a chic blackish hue due to the high iron content in the clay, but we produce a deep blue color that evokes the universe, which is unique to Tokushima Prefecture, famous for its indigo, and is very popular.

We have a long history and advanced craftsmanship.

Since Otani pottery is a traditional craft with a long history and advanced craftsmanship, many people may feel that it can only be used on special occasions, but it is only when it is used in daily life that it shows its value and will enrich your life.

For Customers

Enjoy the freedom to create your own vessels.

MORI TOKI offers a diverse lineup of products that match the times, as well as tableware, vases, and other ceramics for everyday needs.

There are ceramics with various expressions, such as those with rustic colors, those with a sense of quaintness and dignity, and those with beautiful gradations of vivid blue and purple.

These dishes can be used for everyday cooking at home, or as platters for serving main dishes at home parties.

In addition to using bowls and cups and saucers for their own purposes, you can also use them to decorate your room with flowers or as part of your interior design.