Welcome to the Kasama Potters project

Kasama, a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a unique pottery region, where skilled potters work on a range of ceramic wares. Yet, Kasama ware is not as popular, well-known, or historic as that made in some of Japan’s more famous ceramic ware regions. Unlike many of those regions, where potters throw pots in a consistent style, Kasama has relatively few long-established ceramic-making traditions or techniques. For example, Hagi ware (in Yamaguchi Prefecture), is identifiable for its humble forms and use of a translucent white glaze, or Bizen ware (in Okayama Prefecture) is typically unglazed, simple, and fired at high temperatures (a method known as yakishime). By contrast, Kasama’s potters are part of a new wave of individual ceramicists, free to follow their own aesthetic values. For these potters, craft is as much a mindset as a physical act.

Kasama ware is highly durable, having a strong finish and an appealing utilitarian aspect. Across Kasama, the geology has been shaped by the presence of granite. Here, the clay used by potters contains a high iron content, that turns a dark brown colour after firing. A strong material, the clay is not always forgiving when manipulated by the potter. Nevertheless, the quality of Kasama’s clay fosters a close connection between the potter and the region. Kasama’s potters will typically work independently, making wheel-thrown ceramics as opposed to mass-producing pieces. In Kasama, one size does not fit all: potters have the space to think creatively, uninhibited by tradition.

Through the Kasama Potters project, there is an aspiration to establish Kasama as a destination for ceramics, and to broaden the outlook of Kasama’s potters, enabling them to market themselves across Japan, in Europe, and the UK. Managed by Ryoko Mutasono, the project is part of Japan Brand: organised by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan Brand supports the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them develop a presence overseas. In collaboration with the Kasama Pottery Association, and stakeholders in both local and central government, the Kasama Potters project brings together thirty-four of the city of Kasama’s ceramicists. The project’s aim is to promote and showcase Kasama ware, and its eclectic mix of ceramic styles.