About Shodai Ware
Shodai ware is pottery produced mainly in Arao City and Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Said to have started around 1632 with encouragement from the Higo Hosokawa clan. Characterized by flowing 'nagashikake' patterns of straw ash glaze and rustic clay textures, its style aligned with the folk craft spirit of 'beauty in use' has been beloved by tea practitioners and mingei enthusiasts.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
流し掛け藁灰釉蹴轆轤
Materials
地元粘土藁灰釉木灰釉
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 小代焼窯元（産地にご確認ください） hands-on experience