What is Kiyomizu ware?
"Kiyomizu ware" is a type of ceramics that is representative of Kyoto Prefecture, along with Nishijin-ori and Kyo-yuzen. It is said to have originated in the Kiyomizu and Gojozaka area of Higashiyama Ward, and during the Edo period, there were many kilns in Kyoto City, including Awataguchi ware, Yasaka ware, Otowa ware, Omuro ware, Gobosatsuike ware, and Shugakuin ware, and Kiyomizu ware was fired around the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The collective name for all of this Kyoto pottery was "Kyoto ware."
Nowadays, ware produced in Kyoto, including the Higashiyama area, Yamashina, and Uji, is called "Kyoto ware" or "Kiyomizu ware."
It is also called "Kyoto ware/Kiyomizu ware" in the designations of traditional crafts by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Governor of Kyoto Prefecture.
Kiyomizu ware rules
In fact, there are some important rules for "Kiyomizu ware."
All Shimizu ware is handmade
The pottery is made by turning it on a potter's wheel, then fired and painted.
As all of these processes are carried out by hand, each piece reflects the individuality of the pottery maker and the artisan.
Shimizu ware produces not only high-end tableware, but also ornaments and objects for decorative purposes, as well as a large number of dishes that can be used in everyday life. It is loved because it fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to use.
The delicate painting exudes a sense of luxury and history of Kyoto.
Kiyomizu ware is loved for both everyday use and as a decorative piece, and its delicate designs are also attractive.
Kiyomizu ware is painted after it has been fired once. Therefore, compared to pottery from other regions, it is highly decorative, and many Kiyomizu ware pieces incorporate patterns of seasonal flowers and auspicious wishes, giving it a comforting, reassuring quality.
Many of the works are overflowing with the potter's strong individuality and have excellent design, but they are not only comfortable to hold and easy to use, but also feature many patterns of flowers and plants from each of Japan's four seasons and auspicious wishes, giving them a certain comforting quality. Also, due to the influence of tea ceremony culture and other factors, Kyoto pottery is characterized by its high decorativeness and luxurious feel compared to pottery from other production areas.
In addition, nowadays, there is a "Kiyomizu ware painting experience" that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, so you can feel even more connected to tradition by creating your own original tableware.
Conclusion
The impact of the new coronavirus has hit tourist destinations across the country hard, including producers who sell their products to these destinations. Traditional crafts that have been cherished throughout Japan's long history may soon be going out. In order to keep that flame alive, we at The Ichi have prepared Wajima lacquerware restoration bags as part of our Pottery Restoration Project. Please support us!
