Traditional crafts

[Akita] Mysterious blue luster is attractive! “Naraoka ware” in Daisen City

ako
2017.07.25
Last updated: 2023.09.19

table of contents

1 What is Naraoka ware? its history
2 Features a mysterious blue light
3 You can also experience pottery in a kiln.
4 lastly
- 4.1 INFORMATION

When you think of pottery, what name comes to mind? When you think of typical Japanese pottery, you may think of Seto ware, Arita ware, Kutani ware, etc. It is true that all of them are famous pottery items, and some of them are worth more than several million yen. In addition to these, there are other types of pottery that are representative of each region throughout Japan. The history and climate of each prefecture is condensed into the materials and manufacturing methods of pottery.

Of course, Akita Prefecture also has pottery with regional characteristics. One such pottery is "Naraoka ware."

What is Naraoka ware? its history

Naraoka ware is a type of pottery that was created in Minami Naraoka (present-day Daisen City, Akita Prefecture).

Since ancient times, a large amount of clay has been able to be collected in Naraoka. However, the quality of the clay itself was poor, and it was not easy to use, as it deformed when baked and cracked quickly when it dried. Naraoka ware was created approximately 140 years ago through trial and error. It is the oldest pottery in Akita Prefecture.

Although we live in a world where materials from all over the world are easily available on the Internet, Naraoka ware is still made using local clay.

Features a mysterious blue light

The most distinctive feature of Naraoka ware is the blue luster on its surface. The main raw material for the glaze used in Naraoka ware is something called white clay. By using white clay for this glaze, we are able to create pottery with a mysterious blue color that is rare even in Japan.

There is a lake called Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture. This lake is also famous as a mysterious blue lake. There is also a lake full of blue water in the Shirakami Mountains, which straddle Akita and Aomori prefectures.

Akita Prefecture is also a humid and rainy prefecture. Perhaps because of this, forests and mountains sometimes appear blueish. Blue can be said to be the color that symbolizes the water and mountains of Akita Prefecture.

Let's look closer to the surface. You can see that the surface is not all blue, but has subtle shades of blue. When it catches the light, it shimmers like water in a lake.

This Naraoka ware is a butterbur-shaped plate. Butterbur is also a plant that represents Akita. The Akita butterbur, which inhabits areas north of the Kanto region, can grow up to 2 meters long. It is the size that can be folded into an umbrella. Butterbur grows everywhere in the mountains and farm roads of Akita. It is also an essential ingredient in Akita cuisine.

You can also experience pottery in a kiln.

There is only one kiln in Akita Prefecture that continues to produce Naraoka ware.

You can try your hand at making pottery at this kiln by making a reservation in advance. Why not try making rare blue pottery with your own hands? It will be a great memory of your trip.

lastly

We introduced Naraoka ware, which is characterized by its mysterious blue color.

The interesting thing about pottery is that the shade of color changes one by one depending on the shade of the glaze and the firing method. The base part is dark brown and the blue sheen on top gives it a very elegant look. It is available at many souvenir shops in Akita Prefecture.

This item is not often available outside the prefecture, so please be sure to pick one up when you are in Akita. At that time, gently hold it up to the light and take a look. You will surely be fascinated by the mysterious blue color.