Moyu White Footed Rectangular Plate 9.25"

Bizen Ware: A Tradition of Nearly 1,000 Years

Originating from Bizen City in Okayama Prefecture, which faces the Seto Inland Sea, Bizen ware is a traditional craft with a history said to span nearly 1,000 years. The MOYU series utilizes this rich heritage by reclaiming and pulverizing discarded ceramics from the production process, creating products solely from Bizen clay.

Respecting the Natural Material

Without the use of glazes or pigments, the colors are drawn out purely from the iron content in the clay through the firing process. This method highlights the unique qualities of the soil itself.

Hidasuki

One of the traditional techniques of Bizen ware is the Hidasuki pattern, characterized by its vivid red (hi) strap-like markings. This is achieved by wrapping the clay with straw before firing it in the kiln. The components of the straw react with the iron in the clay, creating the striking red patterns. Bizen clay is rich in natural iron, and by adjusting the oxygen levels in the kiln, various shades can be produced from a single type of clay.