About Mino-yaki

Mino-yaki is an pottery made in Mino area which is located in Gifu prefecture. Mino-yaki production started in this area during Tumulus Period as the soil in MINO contains plenty of ingredients required for pottery. In Japan, Mino-yaki is the most popular pottery.

Its share now goes beyond 50% of the Japanese pottery market. You can find the largest concentration of Mino-yaki potters at Toki city in Gifu prefecture.A wide variety of pottery produced in Gifu Prefecture Higashi Mino, "Mino-yaki".

History

Mino-yaki supported by long history and tradition,Production of tableware accounts for about 60% of the national share,It is not an exaggeration to say that it is representative of Japanese ceramics.

The history of Mino-yaki goes back to 1300years ago. The technique of Sue ware was taught by Koreans.In Heian Period(794-1185), the glaze made from ash (called “Shirasu”) was introduced. This types of pottery became very popular and was produced all over Japan.During Kamakura Period (1185-1333), people started making pottery without putting glaze on.

By this time, The general public also started to use Mino-yaki in daily life.In Muromach Period (1336-1573) to Momoyama Period (1568-1603), It is many different glazes were invented.

The major Mino-yaki variations; Shino, Kiseto, Seto-kuro were born in this time.In seventeenth century, people started building kilns in steep mountains. Building kilns in steep mountains were an revolutionary idea and it made Mino-yaki easier to make.

Now,Western Tableware is about 51% of domestic production, Japanese dishes are about 58%, and tiles are about 41%.The majority of the dishes used in Japan are produced by Mino-Yaki.

Mino Yaki