When you look at Japanese pottery, you may notice that even pieces made using the same type of pottery can have slightly different colors, textures, and surface patterns. These differences are not simply imperfections or variations. The clay used to shape the piece, the glaze applied to its surface, the firing process inside the kiln, and the craftsman’s handiwork all come together to create the unique character of each piece.
Why Does Each Piece of Japanese Pottery Look Different?
One of the biggest factors influencing the appearance of pottery is clay. Different types and conditions of clay can affect the color and texture of a piece after firing. When glaze is used, the type of glaze applied also changes the color, gloss, and overall appearance of the surface.
Another important factor is firing. The conditions inside the kiln can affect how a piece turns out. Even when the same clay and glaze are used, the finished pieces do not necessarily develop exactly the same appearance. Differences created during the hand-forming process can add to these natural variations.
Seeing the Character of Clay and Firing in Bizen Pottery
One example that allows you to appreciate these differences is Hitoshi Morimoto’s “Bizen Guinomi Hira.” This piece comes from Bizen, Okayama, and is made of stoneware. It is a small sake cup measuring 68 mm in diameter and 33 mm in height, and is a one-of-a-kind piece by the artist.
When looking at Bizen pottery, try paying attention not only to uniform colors and shapes, but also to the character created by the clay and firing process. This can change the way you see and appreciate each piece.
View the product page for Hitoshi Morimoto’s “Bizen Guinomi Hira”
In Arita Porcelain, Look at the Glaze and Handcraftsmanship
Another example is Shinji Terauchi’s “Manganese Gold Crystal Glaze Katakuchi Azukebachi.” This piece comes from Arita, Saga, and is made of porcelain. It measures 170 mm in diameter and 55 mm in height, and is a one-of-a-kind piece made using a potter’s wheel.
Here, you can pay attention not only to the porcelain itself but also to the glaze called “Manganese Gold Crystal Glaze.” Glaze is one of the important elements that creates the surface of pottery. Even pieces that may appear similar can have different impressions depending on the character of the glaze and variations created during shaping.
View the product page for Shinji Terauchi’s “Manganese Gold Crystal Glaze Katakuchi Azukebachi”
Japanese Pottery Is About Enjoying the Differences
When choosing Japanese pottery, rather than looking for a piece that looks exactly like a photograph, try finding the details that appeal to you, such as its color, texture, shape, or variations across the surface.
With a one-of-a-kind piece in particular, part of the appeal is being able to appreciate the character that belongs to that individual piece. A slight difference in color or a subtle variation in shape does not necessarily need to be seen as a flaw. Instead, these differences can be appreciated as the result of clay, glaze, firing, and craftsmanship coming together. This is one of the pleasures of choosing Japanese pottery.
If you are looking for Japanese pottery that catches your eye, JapanCart is one way to explore products from Japan. Take your time to find a piece you love, paying attention not only to the photograph but also to the unique character of the vessel itself.
