Hello! This is Taki from the Uchiru Editorial Department, a pottery market that you can enjoy at home.
Mashiko ware is a type of pottery that is characterized by its plump, earthy texture.
Since it is a simple and thick container, it is perfect as a mug when you want to take a break. This time we will introduce such a Mashiko ware mug.
What is Mashiko ware
Mashiko ware is a type of pottery produced around Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture.
It is said that the charm of Mashiko ware lies in the soil. The soil of Mashiko is coarse soil containing air bubbles and contains a lot of iron, so it is characterized by its great fire resistance. Because this clay is used without adding any other ingredients, the work itself is thick. This plump feel is the unique charm of Mashiko ware.
Also, the glaze brings out the earthy flavor of Mashiko ware. The clay of Mashiko is characterized by a very good glaze, and the unique taste of Mashiko ware is created by using various techniques. For example, when a piece is slowly baked over several days over a soft wood-burning fire, the glaze soaks into the iron-rich soil, and the wood ash gives it even more expression.
Mashiko has always had an open stance of ``not rejecting anything that comes to us'', and potters with various styles from Japan and abroad gather there and work hard at making pottery.
Mashiko ware has the charm of earth and a free spirit. Next, we will introduce Mashiko ware mugs.
Modern mug Shabby turquoise pottery Wakasama pottery Mashiko ware
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Wakasama Pottery is particular about making pottery by hand and in the nature of Mashiko, and incorporates the breath of nature into its pottery.
"We want to fill the gaps in modern society with Japanese tableware that can be used every day"
It is with this belief that he creates pottery.
The mug has a beautiful bright turquoise color, and when you look closely, you can see that the surface is sparkling due to the crystallization of the glaze. It has an antique finish, like a shabby finish.
You can see the chic and cool look of metal in the warmth of the earth.
It's a modern and stylish mug with an adorable handle that looks like it's sticking out upwards, but it's also a practical mug because it's generously sized.
Modern mug kinariho pottery Wakasama pottery Mashiko ware
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The shabby turquoise from earlier is a different color. A soft and gentle white mug that looks like unbleached material.
This item also has a silk pattern that gives it the feel of an antique item, but it has a warm and soft look that contrasts with the shabby chic turquoise.
Cool turquoise and soft and warm white. It may be fun for couples to use pairs in different colors.
French lace mug matte white pottery Wakasama pottery Mashiko ware
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The lace pattern is so pretty and delicate that you might be surprised and wonder, "Is this Mashiko ware?" It falls like stardust. It seems to make me excited every time I drink it.
It's a warm, off-white, generously sized mug, so you'll want to spend a sweet and gentle tea time staring at its delicate lace pattern.
French lace mug blue gray pottery Wakasama pottery Mashiko ware
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The French lace shown earlier is a different color. A sophisticated blue-gray that is a little less sweet than the off-white type.
It's modest, but still romantic. Depending on the depth of the carving and the way the glaze is applied, some patterns are clearly visible, while others are more subtle, allowing you to enjoy the different expressions that can only be achieved by handcrafting.
Bronze flower plate, pottery Regina
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The vessels made by Regina, who was born in Brazil, are easy-going and carefree works.
When you look at it from above, Regina's flower cup looks like a round flower. This mug is made with Mashiko ware's signature jet black glaze.
Dark brown, very close to black. The chic texture of iron and bronze adds a mature look to the lovely flower form.
It is small and has a cute shape.
Mug pottery Kaori Hasumi Mashiko ware
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Kaori Hasumi's mug has a two-tone color with a soft light blue spotted pattern and a glossy amber color. The candy color on the bottom has a gradation, giving it a very rich look.
The off-white color peeking through the light blue gap resembles a cloud. It is a combination of colors that resembles the sky and the earth.
Mr. Hasumi says, ``The more you use the pottery, the more it will grow.'' It seems that the color changes over time. Every time you pick it up, you'll feel the richness of slowly and carefully loving it.
Herringbone mug straight olive green pottery Wakasama pottery Mashiko ware
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Wakasama Pottery's mug is not black, brown, or gray, but has an exquisite color called "olive green." It is characterized by a sharp and clean form.
This shinogi pattern is called herringbone because it resembles an open fish bone. In textiles, the pattern is also called Sugiaya, which resembles cedar leaves. This is a traditional Japanese weaving method in which the right twill and left twill are alternately lined up to form vertical stripes.
The rich patterns make you feel both the sea world and the mountain world.
Herringbone mug straight matte white pottery Wakasama pottery Mashiko ware
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Various olive green herringbone colors. Matte white has a calm finish similar to a plaster wall.
Because it is white, the beauty of the lines stands out even more. Since it is a sophisticated white mug, you will want to pair it with drinks that enjoy color, such as black coffee or straight tea.
Herringbone mug straight blue gray pottery Wakasama pottery Mashiko ware
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This is also a different color of herringbone. It is a soft blue-gray type.
A gentle blue that blends in with others while still having a strong presence. It's a soft, matte color that doesn't interfere with the tableware or interior decoration.
Finally
In the process of learning about Mashiko ware, I came across a very attractive word, ``Yonomi''.
"Use no beauty" is an idea pursued by Shoji Hamada, a man who became a living national treasure and had a great influence on Mashiko ware during the Taisho era. As a result, Mashiko ware, which used to be everyday items such as clay pots, pots, and water jars, began to take on the role of works of art.
It may seem difficult to describe it as a philosophy, but the ``beauty of use'' that he sought was a world of divine, living beauty that is deeply rooted in people's daily lives.
In a world filled with mass-produced products that sell at low margins and high sales, each piece of pottery created by the handiwork of a potter has a beauty that can only be achieved through human hands.
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If you are interested in Mashiko ware mugs or would like to see more Mashiko ware containers, please take a look here.
In addition to the Japanese tableware introduced this time, we also sell a variety of other utensils, so if you'd like, please visit Uchiru, a pottery market that you can enjoy at home.
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I hope you find your favorite pottery and enjoy your daily meals even more!