Ikebana, Bizenware and photography by Hitoshi Morimoto.

12:04 PM

- Story -

I am making pottery in the place called Bizen. What I always keep in mind is what sort of creation I should make now while tracing the great marks of my predecessors. I take on the creation with my search for the “genuine thing” that gives depth to daily lives and joy of use.

People might think that Bizen ware stands out on its own and has difficulty in match-up. However, it actually has an aspect that it gains a good balance once something is put in it. As for cuisines, it goes well both with Japanese and Western style. Also, when you put one Bizen ware on the table, it can enhance other white plates. So I try to create pieces with beautiful lines as simple as possible, to the best of my ability, to bring out those characters of Bizen ware.

The unglazed, primitive figure of Bizen ware suit with rustic, wild flowers, too. It is interesting to arrange withering flowers in Bizen ware. It has an effect which prevents water from rotting and keeps flowers fresh.

- Products characteristics -

Bizen ware is pottery produced in the district of Inbe in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. It is Yakishime earthenware which is fired at high temperature of 1200 to 1250 Celsius degree without any glaze for about ten days.

The nature of earth, placing of the pieces and changes of the temperature in the kiln and ashes and coals used for firing make every Bizen ware piece unique in color and pattern.

Bizen ware is often used and appreciated as flower vases. For it is excellent in air permeability due to its fine air holes on the surface, it keeps cut flowers fresh. Also, it is esteemed for beer glassware. Its small bumps on the surface produce a smooth, creamy head on beer.