About Imado Ware
Imado Ware originates from the Imado area (near Asakusa) in Taito Ward, Tokyo, representing a rustic earthenware craft tradition. Since the Edo period, it has been a production area for everyday utensils, braziers, plant pots, and clay figurines for the common people. Today it is widely known as the birthplace of the white 'manekineko' (beckoning cat), characterized by rustic yet warm clay figurines and ornaments. Though the production area significantly declined after the Meiji modernization, craftsmen continue to preserve this Edo-era folk pottery tradition.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
手びねり成形型押し素焼き・本焼き鉄絵・彩色
Materials
関東ローム層の赤土鉄絵具顔料
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 今戸焼 白井工房