Ceramics

A Mashiko Pottery plate with resist detail in dolomite over tenmoku glaze. No pottery or potters seals. 28cm diameter

Mashiko ware (called Mashiko yaki in Japanese) was produced in the area around the town of Mashiko in Tochigi. The clay used in Mashiko ware is rich in silicic acid and iron with a high plasticity, making it easy to shape and highly fire-resistant. Unlike other potteries, no extra ingredients are added to the clay; which is the secret behind Mashiko ware's thickness. While the clay makes this pottery heavier than others and requires handling with care, there is a unique and rustic practicality to its thick clay texture. Mashiko ware's glazes are made with stone powder and scrap iron powder and the colors are laid on with dog-hair brushes. This creates a round look as well as adding depth to the colors. Mashiko ware is easy to glaze which enables artisans to use various traditional techniques, such as decorating with white engobe (clay slip coating) or brush marks, to create unique powerful pieces.