Japanese Ceramics

Jōmon period dogū figurines known as the Venus of Jōmon (left) and the Masked Goddess. The earthenware objects were excavated in Nagano Prefecture. (© Jiji ).

An unglazed Bizen sake bottle (left) with a natural ash glaze effect and markings from the wood firing. A narrow road beside a Seto pottery with kiln props embedded in the wall. (© Pixta)

Shigaraki ware tanuki statues. Blessed with good clay, the Shigaraki tradition traces its beginnings to the making of roof tiles. (© Pixta)

Tea is whisked in a bowl during the tea ceremony. (© Pixta)

An Arita ware platter repaired with kintsugi, a technique where broken pottery is  repaired with lacquer mixed with gold powder. (© Pixta)

Onta ware from Ōita Prefecture, featuring the tobi-ganna, or chattering, technique

The Himatsuri pottery fair is held in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, every spring and autumn. Potters set up stalls to sell their pots directly to customers.