Art & Craft > Ceramic > Seto & Mino yaki
Cup & Mug, Sake cup & bottle , Tea bowl , Maneki neko , Doll & Ornaments , Chopstick rest
Seto-Mino ware is the heart of Japan’s contemporary tableware industry, produced in the Seto and Mino regions of Gifu Prefecture. With over 1,300 years of history, it continues to lead Japan's ceramic production and is celebrated for its versatility, functional beauty, and everyday elegance.
At Manekineko-Ai, we carefully select fine Seto-Mino pieces made by master potters and modern studios—ranging from classic dinner sets to expressive plates and bowls—so you can enjoy Japanese craftsmanship in your daily table setting.
History of Seto-Mino Ware
Ceramic production in the Seto region began in the 7th century, and Mino-ware developed around the 16th century in the east Mino area of Gifu Prefecture. Historically, these regions flourished as major centers of pottery and kiln activity, supplying household ceramics throughout Japan.
Today, Seto-Mino ware accounts for approximately 60% of Japan’s tableware production. The region’s potters have long embraced innovation and tradition, making Seto-Mino ware a cornerstone of Japan’s ceramic industry.
Characteristics & Techniques
• Functional Everyday Beauty
Seto-Mino ware is known for combining practicality and aesthetic charm—bowls, plates, cups, and pitchers built for daily use yet made with artistic integrity.
• Distinctive Glaze Styles
Includes Shino-type glazes, Oribe green, Mino celadon, and brown earthy tones that blend Japanese tradition with modern sensibilities.
• Thick-Walled & Strong Body
Durable yet elegant; many kettles and donabe pots from this region are made to withstand high heat and daily use.
• Contemporary Collaborations
Modern designers and potters in Seto & Mino collaborate to create new aesthetics—bringing traditional techniques into modern interiors and lifestyles.
When choosing Seto & Mino-yaki, look at the variety of glazes and textures — from the soft milky surface of Shino ware to the vivid green of Oribe, and the warm earthy tones of Ki-Seto. Each style offers a different mood and pairs beautifully with both Japanese and Western dishes.
For everyday table use, simple shapes and matte textures work especially well, bringing out the colors of food without overpowering the presentation. For display or tea use, pieces with bold brushwork, carved patterns, or strong color contrasts show the artistic strength of these kilns.
Seto & Mino ceramics are durable and easy to use, making them ideal for daily meals. Their balanced designs and comfortable shapes have made them staples in Japanese kitchens for centuries, blending practicality with quiet beauty.
