Bizen yaki: More than a thousand years of Japanese ceramic

Bizen's kilns can be found in Inbe neighborhood, which is one of the rare place in the world entirely devoted to ceramic. While walking around, enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of the workshops, ceramists houses and the shops managed by ceramists' families. 

Do not hesitate to visit one of the few shops that sell the traditional crafting of the six main families since the 16th century. Even though that craft almost disappear during the 19th century , 20th century witnessed a new growth in ceramic as the many craftsmen embraced modernity while preserving their ancestral technics.

It is possible to experience traditional Bizen's ceramic crafting, every day of the week in all neighborhood workshops. You will get the opportunity to handle clay , extracted from surrounding rice paddies soil. That type of extraction is specific to Bizen's area. Once in the workshop, you can choose the model you want to make (cup, bowl, plate...). Sometimes the firing of ceramic in the Noborigama (climbing kiln) is not available on the very day, because of the specificity of that firing method. However, the working of the kilns will still be explained to you.   

Bizen's ceramic are fired at 1200 degrees in climbing kilns that can contain around 3000 pieces of ceramic (depending on the kiln size). Using pine wood causes successively an oxidation and a reduction, specific to Bizen's pottery. They give that unique -and above all- natural aspect and colours to the pottery. Firing can last from a week to a month.  

Bizen's ceramics are the true expression of Japanese spirit and meet the requirements of sobriety and communion with nature in accordance  with zen Buddhism principle.