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All About Tokoname-Bonsai Pots

Tokoname-Bonsai Pots available at www.hollowcreekbonsai.com

Tokoname-Bonsai Pots

The high quality ceramics made in Tokoname are known throughout Japan and the world as Tokoname-ware. Even today, approximately half of the manufacturing output is ceramic based. Although a large amount of this is industrial ceramics (everything from pipes to hi-tech components), ceramic artworks and rustic pottery in Tokoname have a history which dates back about 900 years. Visitors to Tokoname can admire these beautiful works of art through ceramic galleries, museums, and other attractions located throughout the city, and can also experience makingTokoname-Bonsai Pots in several of the small studios. Tokoname is most famous for it's burnished red Tokoname-Bonsai Pots, and side-handled teapots, but there are also quite a number of modern artists who have settled in this area. The local artists are friendly and curious to meet foreign potters.

The history of Tokoname-ware
There have been kilns in use in Tokoname to make Bonsai Pots possibly since the later stages of the Heian period. Ancient kilns have been discovered all over Japan, from Hiroshima to as far north as Aomori Prefecture - but the number of kilns counted in Tokoname number over 3000, more than any other area of Japan.
They are believed to be the oldest kilns in the history of Japanese ceramics, and although there were several other areas in Japan which specialized in ceramics at the time, none of them could compare to Tokoname's number of kilns and quality products. Tokoname products could be transported all over Japan thanks to Tokoname port. Tokoname-ware was initially pottery used mainly for religious purposes, such as vases for storing Buddhist sutra scrolls. During the late Heian period (late 12th century), cremation began to become popular, and as a result Tokoname funural urns came into production. At first, they were very large, but as the years of the Kamakura period (1185-1333) passed, the urns began to be made smaller and smaller in size. However, the quantity of urns greatly increased; this was mainly due to the rising popularity of cremation. In the 14th and 15th century, the production of religious items slowly decreased as the demand for items used in everyday household life increased. As a result, Tokoname-ware began to be sold for profit.

One of Tokoname's most famous items, the red clay teapot, was created in the 19th century for the first time. This pot is now being mass-produced, along with many other items made to meet the needs of modern lifestyles, such as tableware, tea cups, pipes, flower pots, and what are considered by many to be the best Bonsai Pots in the world.

Where to see Tokoname-Bonsai Pots if in Japan.There are a few different places in town to see examples of this famous pottery:

Ceramic Hall -  This hall displays and sells some Tokoname-ware, as well as provides an introduction to the ceramics of Tokoname. This is also the starting point for the pottery paths. There are volunteer guides available to show visitors around the pottery paths, but a reservation is required.

The pottery path -  The pottery path runs through the center of an area of Tokoname which was very prosperous during the early and mid 1900s. Starting from Ceramic Hall, there are two paths which can be followed: Path 1 (1.5 km, approx. 60 min), and Path 2 (4 km, approx. 2.5 hours). Whichever path you take, sites which reflect the history of Tokoname such as kiln sites, brick chimney, and maze-like winding roads can be seen and experienced.

Tokoname-Bonsai Pots available at www.hollowcreekbonsai.com