Introduction of Tanba ware
Tanba Ware, one of the celebrated “Six Ancient Kilns of Japan,” is a pottery tradition rooted in Tachikui, Hyogo Prefecture. With origins tracing back to the late Heian and early Kamakura periods, this craft has been passed down for over 800 years, evolving alongside Japanese history. Initially, Tanba Ware served as practical tools for daily life, such as jars and mortars, but through the centuries it developed into a refined art form embraced by tea masters, aristocrats, and common households alike. Its enduring presence showcases not only the resilience of Japanese craftsmanship but also its cultural significance as a bridge between functionality and artistry.
What makes Tanba Ware particularly fascinating is its unique blend of natural forces and human skill. The craft is known for its hai-kaburi (natural ash glaze), created when pine ash falls onto clay during the 60-hour firing process in a climbing kiln heated to 1,300°C. This chemical reaction produces unpredictable colors and patterns, ensuring that no two pieces are ever the same. Additionally, unlike most Japanese potteries that use right-spinning wheels, Tanba Ware employs a rare left-turning potter’s wheel, a characteristic unique to the Tachikui region. Combined with carefully sourced clays such as Yotsutsuji clay and Benten black clay, these techniques create pottery that is both rustic and elegant, embodying the true spirit of Japanese aesthetics.
Geographical Feature
City & Prefecture: Sasayama City (Tamba-Sasayama), Hyogo Prefecture
Population: Approximately 40,000 residents
Special Products: Tamba black soybeans, chestnuts, wild boar cuisine, and Tamba Ware pottery
Introduction:
Nestled in the heart of Hyogo Prefecture, Sasayama City—also known as Tamba-Sasayama—offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Surrounded by mountains and fertile fields, it is renowned for its black soybeans, chestnuts, and wild game cuisine. Yet, the city’s most prized cultural asset is Tanba Ware, a pottery tradition born here over 800 years ago, continuing to define the identity of this historic town.
History of Tanba ware
From Anagama to Noborigama
The origins of Tanba Ware date back to the late Heian period, when artisans used anagama (tunnel kilns) to create large jars, mortars, and storage vessels without glaze. For nearly four centuries, these simple, practical wares, known as Onogahara Ware, served the needs of local communities. Toward the end of this period, larger vessels such as sake flasks and buckets also emerged, reflecting the growing demand for durable and versatile pottery.
Transformation in the Edo Period
Around 1611, during the Keichō era, Korean-style noborigama (climbing kilns) were introduced to the Tachikui region, revolutionizing production. This innovation, combined with the adoption of the counterclockwise potter’s wheel, allowed for greater efficiency and creativity. The introduction of glazes led to more sophisticated forms, including sake bottles, spouted bowls, and later tea utensils. Influenced by tea masters like Kobori Enshū, Tanba Ware entered a golden age, producing numerous celebrated tea caddies, bowls, and water jars that found their way into the world of Japanese tea culture.
Modernization and Expansion
By the Meiji period, the center of production had shifted fully to the Tachikui area, and Tanba Ware—also known as Tachikui Ware—expanded its market as far as Kyushu and Tohoku. Despite hardships during World War II, artisans persevered, and today Tanba Ware thrives as both functional pottery and decorative art. In 1978, it was officially designated a National Traditional Craft under the name “Tanba Tachikui Ware,” securing its place as one of Japan’s most important ceramic traditions.
Features of Tanba ware
The Magic of Natural Ash Glaze
One of the defining features of Tanba Ware is its hai-kaburi (ash covering), which produces natural and unpredictable glaze patterns. During a 60-hour, 1,300°C firing in the climbing kiln, pine wood ash falls onto the pottery, reacting with iron-rich clay and glaze. This process creates striking hues of green, brown, and reddish tones, with no two pieces ever identical. The result is a distinctive, earthy beauty that reflects both nature’s spontaneity and the artisan’s skill.
Rustic Elegance and Timeless Form
Tanba Ware is admired not only for its natural glaze but also for its balance of simplicity and presence. Its forms are often substantial, with a sense of weight and durability, yet they carry a refined aesthetic suitable for both daily use and display. From tea bowls and sake flasks to vases and plates, Tanba Ware embraces diversity in form, unbound by rigid patterns. Each piece embodies a rustic charm with quiet dignity, blending seamlessly into both traditional Japanese settings and modern interiors. This adaptability has ensured Tanba Ware’s enduring popularity among collectors, tea practitioners, and everyday users alike. (Approx. 130 words)
Modern Applications
Today, Tanba Ware continues to evolve, cherished not only as a traditional craft but also as a modern lifestyle choice. Artisans create both functional tableware and artistic pieces that appeal to global collectors, interior designers, and tea practitioners. Workshops, museum exhibitions, and cultural experiences in Sasayama attract visitors from around the world, while contemporary potters experiment with new designs that honor tradition yet suit modern living. Tanba Ware remains a living art, connecting centuries of heritage with today’s culture. (Approx. 70 words)
