Mino Ware

Ceramics produced in Toki and surrounding areas, Gifu. One of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns with over 400 years of history. Diverse ceramics are manufactured from everyday tableware to art pieces. Currently known as Japan's largest ceramic production center.

Ceramics produced in the Tono region of Gifu Prefecture, accounting for approximately half of Japan's ceramic output. The 'four Mino styles'—Shino, Oribe, Ki-Seto, and Seto-guro—are especially renowned, achieving the highest acclaim as Momoyama-period tea ceramics. Today, production spans everyday tableware to artistic works.

Ceramics produced in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's six ancient kilns. Known for characteristic products with clear glaze over brown clay. Seto became synonymous with ceramics itself, and post-WWII developed as a major producer of everyday tableware. Traditions continue from the Edo period.

Ceramic ware produced in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. Produced from the late Edo period, it is characterized by rough clay texture and rustic coloring. As utilitarian earthenware mass-produced for daily use, it features approachable, unpretentious design. Approximately 200 kilns remain active today, making it known as a pottery town. Valued as representative of folk craft aesthetics.

Traditional washi paper produced in the Mino region of Gifu Prefecture with over 1,300 years of history. Made from high-quality kozo bark, it is thin, durable, and has excellent light-transmitting properties. Used for shoji and fusuma (sliding doors) and also utilized in contemporary art. Registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.

A Japanese ceramicist designated as Living National Treasure. He carries forward the Hagi ware tradition while adding contemporary interpretation to his work, earning international acclaim. Known for rustic warmth and profound understanding of traditional techniques. His diverse output ranges from tea bowls to contemporary art, establishing him as a leading figure in Japanese ceramics.