Fujisawa Ware (Iwate Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Characteristics, Kilns, Experiences, and How to Purchase – Comprehensive Explanation
Fujisawa ware, born in Fujisawa Town, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, is a ceramic ware that stands out with a unique presence in contemporary ceramic art. Begun by ceramicist Shinichi Honma in 1972, this pottery creates works with bold and rustic beauty through its distinctive manufacturing method using traditional anagama (climbing kiln) firing and red pine firewood. This article comprehensively introduces all information about Fujisawa ware, from its history and characteristics to information about kilns, how to experience it, and where to purchase.
What is Fujisawa Ware? The Charm of Contemporary Ceramic Art Boasted by Iwate Prefecture
Fujisawa ware is a ceramic ware based in Fujisawa Town, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, with its history beginning when ceramicist Shinichi Honma established a kiln in 1972 (Showa 47). It is an extremely unique existence, possessing both “regionality as the pottery of Fujisawa Town” and “individuality as a work by ceramicist Shinichi Honma’s own path.”
Currently, the person creating Fujisawa ware is only Shinichi Honma, making it a precious ceramic ware that continues to be protected by a single ceramicist. While it is becoming recognized as a traditional craft of Iwate Prefecture, it is characterized by creative activities unrestricted by traditional forms and receives high evaluation from ceramic art enthusiasts throughout Japan.
The Background of Fujisawa Ware’s Birth
When Shinichi Honma established a kiln in Fujisawa Town, Iwate Prefecture in 1972, the Japanese ceramic art world was a period when the influence of the folk crafts movement still remained strong, yet diversification of expression by individual artists was progressing. Though Honma says he entered the ceramic art world “somehow,” he has since devoted himself to ceramic art for over 40 years, establishing the unique style of Fujisawa ware.
Fujisawa Town is located in southern Iwate Prefecture, near the border with Miyagi Prefecture, in a naturally abundant area. The soil of this region and the red pine, a material in the surroundings, have become important elements shaping the individuality of Fujisawa ware through the firing method.
Characteristics of Fujisawa Ware | The Unique Colors Created by Red Pine Ash
The greatest characteristic of Fujisawa ware lies in the unique colors and textures created by firing in an anagama kiln and using red pine firewood. Here, we explain in detail the elements that characterize Fujisawa ware.
Long-Term Firing with Anagama Kiln
Fujisawa ware is fired using a traditional anagama kiln. After placing works in the kiln, it undergoes an extremely labor-intensive process of firing with red pine firewood for approximately seven days. Through this long-term firing, the works are continuously exposed to high temperatures, acquiring unique firing hardness and strength.
Anagama firing is difficult to control temperature, and the finish of each work differs depending on its position in the kiln and how the flames strike it. This uncertainty is one of the charms of Fujisawa ware and is the reason why truly one-of-a-kind works are created.
Natural Glaze from Red Pine Ash
Another major characteristic of Fujisawa ware is the use of red pine firewood. During the firing process, red pine ash adheres to the works and melts at high temperature, becoming a natural glaze. This natural glaze creates the unique colors of Fujisawa ware.
The red pine ash glaze displays various expressions, from greenish brown to deep amber color, and sometimes nearly black. Rather than artificially applying glaze, the ash glaze formed naturally during firing possesses unpredictable beauty, creating different landscapes for each work.
Soil Texture and Simple Forms
Fujisawa ware is characterized by simple, powerful forms that bring out the soil’s own texture. The design, which does not apply excessive decoration and maximizes the beauty of the material’s texture and shape, naturally blends into contemporary living.
The soil used centers on the region’s soil, with carefully selected materials chosen by Honma. The granular quality and color of the soil become the work’s expression as is, resulting in a simple yet visually commanding finish. A wide range of items are created, from daily-use vessels such as bowls and plates to works for appreciation, such as flower vessels.
Fujisawa Ware Kilns | The Workshop of Ceramicist Shinichi Honma
Currently, Fujisawa ware is created only by its founder, Shinichi Honma. Here, we introduce Honma and his workshop in detail.
Profile of Shinichi Honma
Shinichi Honma is a ceramicist who has continued creating pottery for over 40 years since establishing a kiln in Fujisawa Town, Iwate Prefecture in 1972. He learned ceramic art through self-study and, while basing himself on traditional techniques, has pursued his own aesthetic sensibility and technology.
Honma’s works are exhibited and presented at ceramic art exhibitions and solo exhibitions throughout Japan and are supported by many ceramic art enthusiasts and collectors. His works, simple yet deeply flavorful, are incorporated into daily life as vessels that inspire greater affection the more they are used.
Workshop Location and Access
Shinichi Honma’s workshop is located in Fujisawa Town, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture. The current Ichinoseki City was born in 2005 through mergers with surrounding towns and villages, and Fujisawa Town is now a part of it.
If you wish to visit the workshop, it is recommended that you contact them in advance. There may be times when viewing is difficult, such as during pottery creation or kiln-firing periods, so always make a reservation before visiting.
Access Information:
- Location: Fujisawa Town, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture (details require inquiry)
- Nearest Station: Approximately 30 minutes by bus or car from Ichinomiyatoki Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line
- By Car: Approximately 20 minutes from the Ichinoseki IC on the Tohoku Expressway
Workshop Viewing and Purchasing
Works can be purchased at Honma’s workshop. However, since there is not a permanent sales space, if you wish to purchase, it is necessary to contact them in advance and confirm stock status and available visiting dates and times.
Each work is handmade, and due to the characteristics of anagama firing, mass production is not possible. As a result, desired works may not be readily available, but this too is part of the value of Fujisawa ware.
Fujisawa Ware Ceramic Art Experience | Create Your Own Work
The Fujisawa ware kiln accepts ceramic art experiences. Here, we introduce in detail the ceramic art experience at Fujisawa ware.
Experience Content and Fee
The Fujisawa ware kiln offers instruction in ceramic ware creation. The basic fee is 2,000 yen per kilogram of clay (including instruction), allowing beginners to enjoy ceramic art experience easily.
The experience focuses mainly on hand-molding formation, allowing you to learn basic ceramic art techniques. Whether electric pottery wheels are available for experience should be confirmed in advance. The work you shape yourself will be fired at the kiln at a later date and delivered by mail or for pickup upon completion.
How to Reserve the Experience
If you wish to participate in a ceramic art experience, advance reservation is absolutely necessary. Contact the kiln directly by phone or email, and communicate your desired date and time and number of participants. Particularly on weekends and holidays, reservations fill quickly, so we recommend making reservations early.
Experience time is typically 2-3 hours, but may vary depending on the work’s content and number of participants. We recommend planning a schedule with time to spare.
Instruction That Is Safe Even for Beginners
Even for those new to ceramic art, you can rest assured that Honma or instruction staff will teach you carefully. You can receive detailed instruction on everything from how to handle clay to the basics of molding and work design.
The vessel you create is an original work unique in the world. The completed work can be cherished for a long time as a daily-use vessel.
Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival | A Celebration of Earth and Flames Reproducing the Flame of the Jomon Era
Speaking of Fujisawa ware, one cannot overlook the “Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival” held every August. While this festival has a different origin than Fujisawa ware itself, it is nationally known as an event symbolizing the ceramic culture of Fujisawa Town.
History of the Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival
The Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival is a historic festival that had its first event held in 1976 (Showa 51). It began when, under the guidance of archaeologist Hanjuro Shiono (deceased), the “Jomon wild firing” technique was recreated.
The attempt to revive Jomon-era pottery-making techniques in the contemporary era is not merely a historical recreation but serves as an opportunity through the experience of confronting the primitive materials of earth and flame to reconsider the essence of creation.
Festival Dates and Content
The Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival is held for two days—the second Saturday and Sunday of August each year. As Iwate Prefecture’s nationally acclaimed “Celebration of Earth and Flames,” it attracts many participants and visitors from both inside and outside the prefecture.
At the festival, participants shape pottery themselves and fire it using wild firing, a primitive method. Wild firing, which does not use electric or gas kilns but rather burns firewood outdoors, is the very technique of the Jomon era. The sight of pottery gradually being fired as it is enveloped in flames can truly be called a “recreation of the flame of the Jomon era.”
Hanjuro Shiono Prize and Work Exhibition
At the Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival, the “Hanjuro Shiono Prize” was established from the 12th event (1987, Showa 62), awarding excellent works. This prize, established to commemorate archaeologist Hanjuro Shiono, who was instrumental in founding the festival, has become an important award evaluating the technique and artistry of wild-fired works.
Works of past award winners and historical festival posters from the first event to the present can be viewed on the Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival’s official website. By viewing these works and posters, you can sense the festival’s history and evolution.
The Appeal of the Wild Firing Experience
The greatest appeal of the Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival is that anyone can experience wild firing. You can bring pre-shaped pottery to be fired or participate from the shaping stage on the day (please confirm details with organizers).
Wild firing is a rare technique in contemporary ceramic art, difficult to control temperature, and carries the risk of works breaking. However, this very uncertainty is the essence of wild firing, and the joy when successful is immeasurable. The experience of dialoguing with flames while firing pottery brings deep emotion and accomplishment to participants.
How to Purchase Fujisawa Ware | How to Obtain Works
If you wish to purchase Fujisawa ware, there are several methods available. Here, we introduce specific ways to obtain Fujisawa ware.
Direct Purchase at the Kiln
The most reliable method is to visit Shinichi Honma’s workshop directly and purchase. As mentioned previously, contact them in advance and confirm available visiting dates and times and stock status before visiting.
The advantage of purchasing at the kiln is being able to hear the artist explain the works and being able to actually examine and select the pieces. Additionally, seeing the workshop atmosphere and production site deepens understanding and affection for the works.
Purchase at Ceramic Art Exhibitions and Solo Exhibitions
Honma regularly holds ceramic art exhibitions and solo exhibitions. At these exhibitions, many works, including new creations, are displayed and sold. Information about exhibitions can be confirmed at ceramic art-related facilities in Iwate Prefecture and Honma’s official information (if available).
Exhibitions typically feature a wide lineup of works ranging from daily-use vessels to works for appreciation, allowing you to select works that match your preferences and needs.
Possibility of Online Purchase
It is unclear whether Fujisawa ware currently has an official online shop, but it is possible it may be handled at some craft goods sales websites or pottery specialty online stores. However, due to production by a single artist in small quantities, constant stock availability cannot be guaranteed.
When purchasing online, it is important to purchase from a trustworthy seller. In addition to photographs of works, verify detailed descriptions of size, weight, and color tone, and if you have questions, we recommend inquiring before purchase.
Craft Shops and Galleries in Iwate Prefecture
There may be places in Iwate Prefecture craft shops and galleries that carry Fujisawa ware. In particular, craft shops in major cities within the prefecture such as Ichinoseki and Morioka often carry works by local artists, making it worth inquiring.
Fujisawa Ware and Iwate Prefecture’s Ceramic Art Culture
Fujisawa ware is part of Iwate Prefecture’s rich ceramic art culture. Here, we explain the relationship between Fujisawa ware and other ceramics of Iwate Prefecture.
Major Ceramics of Iwate Prefecture
In addition to Fujisawa ware, Iwate Prefecture has multiple ceramic production areas. Representative examples include the following:
- Kokuji Ware: Traditional pottery made in Kuji City
- Daiyaki: Pottery continuing from the Edo era in Hanamaki City
- Kajitei Ware: Traditional pottery of Morioka City
Each of these ceramics possesses a long history and tradition, closely tied to regional culture. In contrast, Fujisawa ware, which began in 1972, is a relatively new ceramic, but has established unique value as contemporary pottery.
Coexistence of Tradition and Innovation
A characteristic of Iwate Prefecture’s ceramic art culture is the coexistence of production areas maintaining traditional techniques and artists like those of Fujisawa ware taking contemporary approaches. This diversity creates the richness of Iwate Prefecture’s ceramic art culture.
Fujisawa ware employs the traditional anagama kiln firing technique while incorporating free creative ideas in form and glaze expression. This “fusion of tradition and innovation” can be said to demonstrate a direction contemporary ceramic art should pursue.
Connection to the Region
Fujisawa ware and the Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival have become important elements of the identity of Fujisawa Town (currently Fujisawa Town, Ichinoseki City). The effort to use regional soil and wood, and to revive regional history (Jomon culture) in the contemporary era, greatly contributes to the inheritance and development of regional culture.
For regional residents, Fujisawa ware and the wild firing festival are sources of pride and tourism resources. Through interaction with ceramic art enthusiasts and tourists visiting from throughout the country, it also contributes to regional revitalization.
Surrounding Information for Enjoying Fujisawa Ware
For those planning to visit the Fujisawa ware kiln or attend the wild firing festival, we introduce surrounding tourist information and accommodations.
Tourist Attractions in Ichinoseki City
Ichinoseki City, located in southern Iwate Prefecture, is a city with rich history and nature. When visiting Fujisawa Town, we recommend also visiting the following tourist attractions:
- Genbi Gorge: A gorge designated as a National Scenic Beauty, offering beautiful views that change with the seasons
- 猊鼻Gorge: A gorge counted among Japan’s One Hundred Landscapes, popular for boat tours
- Seshi no Sato: A facility where you can learn about the region’s history and culture
Nearby Hot Spring Areas
The areas surrounding Ichinoseki City have multiple hot spring resorts. They are ideal for relaxing from the fatigue of ceramic art experiences and sightseeing:
- Genbi Gorge Hot Spring: A hot spring area right next to Genbi Gorge
- Matsushiro Hot Spring: A hidden hot spring
- Hanamaki Hot Spring Resort: A large hot spring area about 40 minutes by car from Ichinoseki City
Accommodations
There are a variety of accommodations in Ichinoseki City, from business hotels to hot spring inns. Since Fujisawa Town is distant from the city center, it is convenient to stay around Ichinoseki Station and travel by rental car or taxi.
Access and Transportation
By Train:
- From Tokyo: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to Ichinomiyatoki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen
- From Sendai: Approximately 30 minutes to Ichinomiyatoki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen
- From Morioka: Approximately 40 minutes to Ichinomiyatoki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen
By Car:
- From the Ichinoseki IC on the Tohoku Expressway to Fujisawa Town: Approximately 20 minutes
- From Sendai City: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- From Morioka City: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
From Ichinomiyatoki Station to Fujisawa Town, use a route bus or taxi. Renting a car is convenient as it allows you to move freely including surrounding sightseeing.
To Deeply Understand the Appeal of Fujisawa Ware
To more deeply understand the appeal of Fujisawa ware, it is important to actually touch the works and learn about the creation process. Here, we introduce ways to further learn about Fujisawa ware.
Deepening Knowledge of Ceramic Art
To deepen understanding of Fujisawa ware’s characteristics such as anagama firing and natural glaze, it is effective to learn about ceramics in general. Through ceramic art-related books and websites and exhibitions at art museums, develop a basic knowledge of pottery.
Particularly by learning about the history of Japanese pottery, the types of kilns, and the types of glazes, the uniqueness of Fujisawa ware becomes more clearly understood.
Actually Using It
By using Fujisawa ware vessels in daily life, you can truly experience their appeal. The simple, powerful forms suit both Japanese and Western cuisine and become more familiar to the hand with use.
Vessels change in expression through use. Stains from tea or small scratches are enjoyed as the vessel’s “growth.” By continuing to use it carefully, the vessel develops into your own unique piece.
Dialogue with the Artist
If possible, through dialogue with Shinichi Honma himself or those knowledgeable about ceramic art, we recommend hearing about the background of the works and the thoughts behind creation. Through the artist’s words, understanding the philosophy and aesthetic sensibility embedded in the works significantly changes how you view them.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions when visiting exhibitions or workshops. Most artists take joy in talking about their work.
Conclusion | The Future of Fujisawa Ware and What We Can Do
Fujisawa ware is a precious ceramic ware that continues to be protected by a single ceramicist, Shinichi Honma. Over 40 years have passed since its establishment in 1972, and its works have become representative of Iwate Prefecture’s contemporary ceramic art.
Anagama firing with red pine firewood, the beauty of natural glaze, simple yet powerful forms—these characteristics make Fujisawa ware truly one of a kind. At the same time, it is connected to the Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival, a regional cultural event, and has become part of Fujisawa Town’s identity.
When considering the future of Fujisawa ware, what we can do is understand the value of this pottery, use the works carefully, and pass them to the next generation. Visiting the kiln, purchasing works, and participating in ceramic art experiences are all actions that support Fujisawa ware.
If you have the opportunity to visit Fujisawa Town, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, be sure to visit the Fujisawa ware kiln. The simple yet powerful beauty created by earth and flame will surely move your heart. And at the Fujisawa Wild Firing Festival held every August, you can have a valuable experience recreating the flame of the Jomon era.
Fujisawa ware teaches us living in the contemporary age the essence of creation and the infinite possibilities of earth as a material. By taking a handmade vessel in your hands and feeling its warmth, our daily lives will surely become more enriched.
