Set of two plates from Onta, Japan. Designated Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, Onta ware embodies timeless beauty and authenticity preserving and perpetuating ancient Japanese savoir-faire.
Onta is a small village nestled in the Kyushu mountains where ten families of potters continue a tradition of more than 300 years old. The clay for Onta ware is sourced from local stone and prepared using a water mill, a process called kara’usu that can take up to two months. This slow and rhythmic preparation is part of the community and the sound of the water mill has been recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Soundscapes, preserved for its cultural significance. Each piece is shaped by hand, fired in wood-burning kilns, and finished with natural glazes made from materials like straw, iron, copper, and ash. These plates were made using the decorative technique callled kushime in which wavy patterns are drawn using a comb-like tool.
The result are pieces that feel timeless and rooted with subtle variations that make every piece unique. In 1970, Onta pottery has been designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Japan meaning that potters continue to work according to traditional methods and perpetuate an important ancient knowledge and savoir-faire.
These versatile plates can be used daily in our kitchens or as a beautiful decorative object in the house.
Set of two plates from Onta, Japan. Designated Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, Onta ware embodies timeless beauty and authenticity preserving and perpetuating ancient Japanese savoir-faire.
Onta is a small village nestled in the Kyushu mountains where ten families of potters continue a tradition of more than 300 years old. The clay for Onta ware is sourced from local stone and prepared using a water mill, a process called kara’usu that can take up to two months. This slow and rhythmic preparation is part of the community and the sound of the water mill has been recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Soundscapes, preserved for its cultural significance. Each piece is shaped by hand, fired in wood-burning kilns, and finished with natural glazes made from materials like straw, iron, copper, and ash. These plates were made using the decorative technique callled kushime in which wavy patterns are drawn using a comb-like tool.
The result are pieces that feel timeless and rooted with subtle variations that make every piece unique. In 1970, Onta pottery has been designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Japan meaning that potters continue to work according to traditional methods and perpetuate an important ancient knowledge and savoir-faire.
These versatile plates can be used daily in our kitchens or as a beautiful decorative object in the house.
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