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Mino ware (美濃焼, Mino-yaki) refers to Japanese pottery that was produced in Mino Province around the towns of Toki and Minokamo in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan.
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History
The history of Japanese pottery in the Toki area appears to have started more than 1,300 years ago. Some kiln traces and earthenware pieces, which are in the 7th-century style, have been recovered within the territory of the city. Craftsmen around the Seto area fled during wars before the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1614) and settled in the region. They were under the protection of the lords of Toki. The pottery was founded by Katō Yosabei, whose sons also started other potteries in the area. The technical merit and artistic impression reached new heights when crockery for tea ceremony had been produced there.
Under the guidance of lord Furuta Oribe, the Oribe ware developed as a variation of it. Daimyo feudal lords highly admired such tea vessels, bowls, pots and utensils with unique styles of oribe. More emphasis has been put on daily necessities since the early Edo period (1603–1867).
Certain Mino kilns also produced Ofukei ware.
With the introduction of mass production introduced in the Meiji era (1868–1912), Mino ware became widely available. Ceramics from the Mino region amount to around 50% of Japanese pottery produced.
Styles
Throughout the centuries, four styles of Mino were developed that differ from each other in appearance. These have strong connections to tea ceremony: