YOSHIMI GAMA｜Otani ware

12 products

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 products

Brand

I will stick to works that I can say, "This is good!

YOSHIMI GAMA

1946
Otani ware
Yoshihiro Takino

History

Otani ware developed along with Awa indigo.

Otani ware is a pottery with a history of about 230 years, made in Ooasacho Otani, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture.

Pottery first appeared in Tokushima Prefecture in the late Edo period (1603-1868), when Bunemon, a potter from Bungo Province (Oita Prefecture), visited Otani Village in Awa Province in 1780 on a pilgrimage to 88 sacred sites in the Shikoku region and demonstrated his pottery-making skills.

People were amazed to see the technique for the first time, and Hachisuka Haruaki, the feudal lord, became very interested in pottery.

In 1781, Hachisuka immediately built a domain kiln to produce dyed porcelain, and gathered craftsmen from Kyushu to order the raw materials.

People were amazed to see the technique for the first time, and Hachisuka Haruaki, the feudal lord, became very interested in pottery.

In 1781, Hachisuka immediately built a han-kama (domain kiln) to produce dyed porcelain, and gathered craftsmen from Kyushu to order the raw materials.

The indigo merchant Kaya Bungoro brought Shigaraki ware craftsmen from Shiga Prefecture and had his younger brother Heijibei learn the techniques.

In 1784, he built a climbing kiln and began producing large ceramics such as jars for indigo dyeing and water jars by procuring potter's clay and glaze from the local Hagiwara and Himeda areas.

Awa Province has been producing indigo since ancient times, and in 1615, it became a protected and encouraged industry by the clan and grew into a brand called "Awa Ai.

A jar in which indigo balls were put to ferment and produce dye was indispensable.

Characteristic

Otani ware with a familiar and gentle texture

The technique of making large ceramics such as jars for indigo dyeing is called "Nerokuro", and one of the craftsmen lies down under the worktable and turns the wheel while kicking it with his feet.

The size of the climbing kiln for firing large pieces of pottery is the largest in Japan.

The clay used for making Otani ware is clay-like and contains a lot of iron, which gives the ware a simple and healthy feeling when you hold it in your hands.

It has a rough texture with a hint of luster, giving it a friendly impression.

The colors vary from the typical dark brown, deep silver like smoked silver, red with iron content, and vivid blue, but all of them are honest and less flashy, making you feel relaxed.

For Customers

Feel the warmth of the soil.

We are a pottery that has been operating for 75 years in the small village of Otani, and as the third generation potter, I am currently producing tableware, objects, and vases that are fired without glaze, or with "Yohen," which changes in the kiln to produce interesting colors and patterns, and "Kaiyu," which is made from the ashes of plants and trees.

I create works that I myself think are good.

I do everything from firing to firing myself, and I hope you will enjoy the comfort and warmth of the clay.