The Basic Knowledge
In this section, I’ll briefly explain some important terms regarding Bizen pottery.
- Blue Bizen - Usually, Bizen pottery has a reddish surface. This occurs because of oxidized fire. But fairly infrequently, reduction firing occurs and bluish Bizen is made.
- Tunnel Kiln - a simple style of kiln dug by a potter. The style is preserved for over thousand years.
- Ishi Haze - a pattern which is made by small stones not removed in the first and second step of production process.
- Keshiki (”Scenery”) - The decoration effects which are not made intentionally. The use of this term is unique to Japanese pottery.
- Natural Glaze - During the firing process, ash falls on the stoneware accidentally and it beautifully colors.
- Hida Suki - A potter intentionally makes a mark on a work by straw which is used for firing.
An example of a pattern Hida Suki, made by Mr. Teru Okada. The brown parts on the flower base is Hida Suki.
