Hagi Ware

Traditional Japanese art form where matcha tea is served as hospitality, fusing spirituality and aesthetics. Influenced by Zen Buddhism, embodying wabi-sabi aesthetics, it comprises many elements including movements in washitsu, beauty of implements, and seasonal awareness.

Pottery produced in Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture, with techniques introduced from the Korean peninsula in the late 16th century. Characterized by rustic warmth and simplicity, it is especially prized as tea bowls. A culture of appreciating changes in appearance through use is deeply rooted. Since the Edo period, it has been regarded as the finest tea bowl in the tea ceremony world.

Tea ceremony pottery produced in Kyoto. Established by Chojiro in the late 16th century. Characterized by thick body and coarse texture, its warm aesthetic matches tea ceremony philosophy. Still manufactured by successive generations of the Raku family. Red and black raku are representative, particularly valued as tea bowls.

Pottery produced in Hagi, Yamagata. With history from early Edo period, it features rustic, warm aesthetics. The soft white glaze is popular, especially valued for tea ceremony utensils. Its quality of changing appearance with use exemplifies wabi-sabi philosophy.

Pottery produced in Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture for over 400 years, considered the highest rank for tea utensils. Known by the saying 'First Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu,' it is prized for its soft clay texture and the 'seven transformations of Hagi'—color changes that occur with use. Its simple yet profound beauty embodies the spirit of wabi-cha.

Pottery produced in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, beloved by tea practitioners in the ranking 'First Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu.' Diverse styles include E-Karatsu, Chosen-Karatsu, and Madara-Karatsu, with rustic, powerful clay texture as its charm. Prized in Momoyama-era tea culture, many ceramic artists continue creating works today.

Produced in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's oldest pottery traditions. Developed from ancient sue ware traditions, particularly famous for tea ceremony kettles (kyusu). Characterized by reddish-brown clay, with many artisans continuing traditional production methods today.