Onta Pottery 小鹿田焼


In north-central Kyushu, close to Hita, lies Onta, a small village known for producing exceptional pottery. This type of pottery is considered the epitome of authentic folk art in Japan and is renowned for its stunning beauty and practicality. In addition to creating exquisite organic ceramics, the pottery is also highly sought after for its unique style.

The Beginning of Onta Pottery

In the 16th century, feudal lord Nagamasa Kuroda, known as the Daimyo of Chikuzen, was sent to Korea together with Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Upon returning to Japan, he brought back a talented Korean potter named "Hachizan", who set up a kiln on Mt. Takaroti in Nogata, Fukuoka Prefecture. Hachizan's grandson, Hachiro, later established a kiln for Koishiwara pottery. In the 18th century, Sannemon Yanase, a renowned potter from Koishiwara, was invited to share his techniques in Onta by the local governor of Hita, with financial support from Jubei Kurogi and land provided by the Sakamoto family. Thus, Onta pottery was created.

The advance of Onta Pottery

Onta Pottery has a rich heritage, passed down for generations and still thriving today. Using only family labor, 9 skilled potters continue to create beautiful ceramic pieces in the traditional style. This renowned pottery was first introduced to the world by Soetsu Yanagi and Shoji Hamada, through the efforts of renowned potter Bernard Leach during the Showa period. In 1970, Onta Pottery was designated as an "Intangible Cultural Asset", and in 1995, the Onta Yaki Technique Preservation Society was certified as a preservation group.

The characteristics of Onta Pottery

*No Machinery

Onta Pottery is crafted without the aid of machines, utilizing a river-powered mortar, a foot-operated kick wheel, and a chambered climbing kiln fueled by firewood.

*Handmade Tools

The tools needed for this project include a spatula, trowel, hammering board, wood shaping plane, and comb. These items are essential for precise and efficient hand modeling and decorating.

*No Drawings

Onta Pottery is known for its simple yet elegant aesthetic, featuring unique designs like brush marks and the jumping Kanna chattering tool, as well as skilled use of fingers as sketching implements and intricate glaze designs. This is a defining characteristic of handcrafted pieces from Onta Pottery.

*No Potter Named

The Potter's name is not mentioned on the item. Onta Pottery, a regional label, is made by skilled potters with expertise in their field.

 

More the background and techniques of Onta Pottery is here.