Daimiyaki: The History and Characteristics of Iwate Prefecture Hanamaki City’s Representative Porcelain Production Area in Tohoku
Daimiyaki (台焼) is a ceramic ware produced around Dai Hot Spring, located in the Hanamaki Hot Spring region of Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. It is known as a rare porcelain production area in the Tohoku region, and is characterized by works using “sugar celadon glaze (tōseijiyu)” which exhibits a distinctive pale green color. This traditional craft continuing from the Meiji period, born from the fusion of the region’s abundant natural resources and artisans’ techniques, is still carried on today as a representative ceramic culture of Iwate Prefecture.
The History of Daimiyaki: A Tradition Continuing from the Meiji Period
The Circumstances of Kiln Opening and Founder Sugimura Kanbei
The history of Daimiyaki begins with the opening of the kiln by the first-generation Sugimura Kanbei in 1895 (Meiji 28). Sugimura Kanbei was born and raised at Dai Hot Spring in the Hanamaki Hot Spring region, and he founded Daimiyaki by utilizing the kiln of Yunozawa ware (also called Osegawa ware) that had been fired in this area in the past.
In order to master the techniques of porcelain manufacturing, Kanbei apprenticed in Arita, Saga Prefecture, one of Japan’s leading porcelain production areas. Having learned the traditional techniques of Arita ware, Kanbei returned to his hometown of Hanamaki and began producing porcelain, a rare craft in Tohoku, utilizing the high-quality ceramic stone available locally.
The Relationship with Yunozawa Ware
Before the opening of Daimiyaki, this region had a pottery tradition called Yunozawa ware (Osegawa ware). Sugimura Kanbei reused the already-abandoned kiln of this Yunozawa ware and created a new pottery culture. While basing itself on the techniques and kiln structure of Yunozawa ware, Kanbei incorporated the porcelain manufacturing techniques he had learned in Arita, thereby establishing his own unique Daimiyaki.
From the Meiji Period Through the Showa Period to the Present
Daimiyaki, which was born in the Meiji period, continued to develop throughout the Showa period. The techniques and spirit of the first-generation Kanbei were passed down through generations, and the pursuit of creating sturdy and refined products that could withstand the cold climate of Tohoku was continued. As Hanamaki Hot Spring developed, Daimiyaki came to be recognized as a representative craft of the region and became popular as a souvenir for visitors.
Currently, kiln studios continue their activities centered in the Yumoto district of Hanamaki City, and while preserving traditional techniques, they are engaged in creating works suited to contemporary lifestyles. With a history of over 120 years, Daimiyaki is highly evaluated as a precious cultural heritage of Iwate Prefecture.
The Characteristics of Daimiyaki: Tohoku’s Foremost Porcelain Culture
A Rare Porcelain Production Area in Tohoku
The greatest characteristic of Daimiyaki is that it is a porcelain-based ceramic ware, which is rare in the Tohoku region. While pottery in general is the center of ceramic wares in Tohoku, Daimiyaki produces porcelain using high-quality ceramic stone found around Hanamaki as raw material.
Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures than pottery and possesses characteristics of almost no water absorption, hardness, and translucency. Through the use of ceramic stone extracted from Manjuzan near Hanamaki, Daimiyaki succeeded in creating sturdy porcelain products that can withstand the harsh climate conditions of Tohoku.
The Pale Green of Sugar Celadon Glaze
The characteristic feature representing Daimiyaki is a unique glaze called “sugar celadon glaze (tōseijiyu)”. This glaze uses rice bran from Hanamaki as raw material and exhibits a beautiful pale green color after firing. This light green color is known as the symbolic color of Daimiyaki and imparts an elegant and serene atmosphere to the works.
Vessels using sugar celadon glaze have been embraced as everyday tableware. By utilizing rice bran, a familiar material, in the glaze, works rich in locality are created, establishing a unique aesthetic that blends the warmth of folk-craft style with the refined beauty of porcelain.
The Development of White Porcelain and Blue-and-White Porcelain
In addition to works using sugar celadon glaze, Daimiyaki also produces white porcelain and blue-and-white porcelain. White porcelain is a pure white porcelain with glaze applied, characterized by simple yet elegant finishing. On the other hand, blue-and-white porcelain is a work with indigo-colored patterns drawn on the surface of white porcelain, and has been developed at Daimiyaki as a technique inheriting the Arita ware tradition.
Through these diverse techniques, Daimiyaki has developed as a ceramic production area with wide-ranging possibilities of expression, not limited to a single style.
The Fusion of Folk-Craft and Refinement
Another characteristic of Daimiyaki is that it possesses both the simplicity of folk-craft style and the beauty of refined porcelain. The thickly turned vessels are equipped with practicality emphasizing ease of use, while possessing the smooth texture unique to porcelain and refined forms.
This style of “combining sturdiness and elegance with folk-craft sensibility” creates a unique value for Daimiyaki: vessels suitable for everyday use while also possessing artistic merit worthy of appreciation.
Daimiyaki’s Position as a Ceramic Production Area in Iwate Prefecture
Hanamaki’s Ceramic Culture
In addition to Daimiyaki, Hanamaki City is home to multiple kiln studios including Seyama ware, Kaじ-chō ware, and Hayachine ware. Each produces works with its own characteristics, and Hanamaki is known as one of Iwate Prefecture’s foremost pottery production areas.
Among these, Daimiyaki occupies a unique position as it is primarily porcelain-based, symbolizing the diversity of Hanamaki’s ceramic culture. Located in the Hanamaki Hot Spring region, a tourist destination, it serves the important role of conveying the region’s craft culture to visitors.
Within Iwate Prefecture’s Ceramic Culture
Looking at Iwate Prefecture as a whole, there are various ceramic traditions including tea ceramics and everyday wares continuing from the feudal period. While many are primarily pottery influenced by Sendai’s Tsutsumi ware, Soma ware, and Imari ware, Daimiyaki possesses uniqueness through its porcelain focus.
Ceramics from Iwate Prefecture are often praised as “brimming with simple individuality,” and Daimiyaki, as works employing regional materials and traditional techniques, is counted among one of Iwate Prefecture’s representative crafts.
The Manufacturing Process and Techniques of Daimiyaki
The Ceramic Stone as Raw Material
The production of Daimiyaki begins with high-quality ceramic stone extracted from Manjuzan in the Hanamaki Hot Spring region. This ceramic stone contains components suitable for porcelain raw material and is a precious resource in Tohoku.
The ceramic stone is pulverized and undergoes a water-washing (suihi) process to remove impurities and is refined into porcelain clay. The quality of this ceramic clay greatly affects the final quality of the work, making raw material selection and refinement one of the most important processes in Daimiyaki production.
Forming and Decoration
The refined ceramic clay is shaped into vessel forms through forming on a potter’s wheel or forming using molds. Daimiyaki often produces thickly turned folk-craft style vessels, which is the result of prioritizing practicality and durability.
After forming, scraping and decoration are applied as necessary. In the case of blue-and-white porcelain, patterns are drawn using indigo-colored pigment at this stage.
Glazing and Firing
After forming, the vessel is dried and then glazed. When sugar celadon glaze is used, a special glaze made from rice bran is applied to the entire vessel. In the case of white porcelain, a transparent glaze is used.
After glazing, the vessel is placed in a kiln and fired at high temperature. Since porcelain is fired at higher temperatures than pottery (approximately 1300 degrees Celsius), careful temperature management of the kiln is essential. The color development and texture of the glaze change depending on temperature changes and atmosphere during firing, requiring years of experience and technique.
The Pursuit of Durability Suited to Cold Regions
Creating vessels that can withstand the harsh cold of Tohoku was a particular concern of Sugimura Kanbei, the founder of Daimiyaki. Technical development was repeatedly pursued to prevent damage from freezing while leveraging the porcelain characteristics of low water absorption and sturdiness.
This characteristic of “enduring the climate of a cold region” became a major factor in Daimiyaki becoming firmly rooted in the region as practical everyday tableware.
The Works and Uses of Daimiyaki
Daimiyaki as Everyday Tableware
Daimiyaki was developed from the beginning as everyday tableware. Various vessels used in daily life are produced, including rice bowls, plates, bowls, and tea cups. The pale green of sugar celadon glaze adds calm color to the dining table and enriches meal times.
The smooth texture unique to porcelain and the ease of cleaning demonstrate high practicality, and as “tableware that can be used continuously,” it is cherished in many households.
Tea Ceremony Utensils and Art Works
Beyond everyday items, Daimiyaki also produces tea ceremony utensils and art works for appreciation. Tea ceramics such as flower vases, incense burners, and tea bowls are evaluated as works of high refinement and are supported by tea ceremony enthusiasts.
Daimiyaki’s tea ceramics, harmonizing folk-craft simplicity with the refined beauty of porcelain, are positioned as representative works of Tohoku’s ceramic culture.
Daimiyaki as Souvenirs
For tourists visiting Hanamaki Hot Spring region, Daimiyaki is a popular souvenir. Works utilizing regional traditions and natural materials are selected as mementos of trips and as gifts.
Direct sales are also conducted at kiln studios, allowing visitors to select works by handling them in person. Additionally, some kiln studios offer pottery experience programs, providing the enjoyment of creating one’s own original works.
Places Where You Can Experience and Purchase Daimiyaki
Purchasing and Viewing at Kiln Studios
Daimiyaki kiln studios are located primarily in the Yumoto district of Hanamaki City. At representative kiln studios, workshops can be viewed and works can be purchased. Prior contact when visiting is recommended, and confirmation of closed days and other information is necessary.
By visiting a kiln studio, you can witness craftsmen’s techniques firsthand and directly hear about the thoughts and techniques put into the works.
Pottery Experience Programs
Some kiln studios offer pottery experience programs. You can experience actual Daimiyaki manufacturing processes such as forming on a potter’s wheel or design painting.
Works created through experience can be fired at the kiln studio and mailed later, allowing them to be used at home as memories of the trip. Advance reservation is often necessary for experience programs, so contacting the kiln studio is recommended.
Retail Shops in Hanamaki City
In addition to kiln studios, Daimiyaki can be purchased at souvenir shops and craft stores in Hanamaki City. It is also carried at various facilities in Hanamaki Hot Spring region and at tourism information centers in Hanamaki’s urban areas.
You can compare and select works from various kiln studios, making this a convenient option for those purchasing Daimiyaki for the first time.
The Present and Future of Daimiyaki
The Succession of Tradition and Modern Development
With a history of over 120 years, Daimiyaki continues to be produced while preserving traditional techniques. Meanwhile, the development of new designs adapted to modern lifestyles and aesthetic sensibilities is also progressing.
In addition to traditional sugar celadon glaze works, pieces incorporating modern forms and colors are being created, and Daimiyaki continues to evolve as a craft embraced by younger generations.
Successor Cultivation and Transmission of Techniques
A challenge facing many traditional crafts is the shortage of successors. For Daimiyaki as well, transmitting skilled techniques to the next generation is becoming an important issue.
Kiln studios are working on cultivating apprentices and promoting techniques through pottery classes, continuing efforts to preserve Daimiyaki as a regional culture.
Value as a Regional Promotion and Tourism Resource
Daimiyaki is also an important tourism resource for Hanamaki Hot Spring region. Tourism plans combining hot springs and crafts are being developed, and Daimiyaki is contributing to improved regional brand value.
In Hanamaki City, regional revitalization measures utilizing local traditional crafts including Daimiyaki are being promoted, aiming for sustainable regional development where culture and tourism converge.
Comparison with Other Ceramic Production Areas in Iwate Prefecture
The Characteristics of Each Production Area
Within Iwate Prefecture, in addition to Daimiyaki, there are various ceramic production areas. Tsutsumi ware around Morioka City is pottery following the lineage of Sendai Tsutsumi ware and is known as simple folk crafts. Additionally, pottery cultures unique to each region have been nurtured in places like Fujisawa ware and Kirikomi ware.
Daimiyaki possesses uniqueness among these in being primarily porcelain-based and has developed as a culture rooted in Hanamaki, a hot spring resort area.
Within the Ceramic Culture of the Tohoku Region
Looking at the Tohoku region as a whole, there are ceramic production areas with distinctive characteristics in various locations such as Sendai’s Tsutsumi ware and Kirikomi ware in Miyagi Prefecture, and Soma ware and Aizu Hongoing ware in Fukushima Prefecture. While many are primarily pottery, production areas like Daimiyaki that primarily focus on porcelain are rare in Tohoku and can be said to be precious.
The ceramic culture of Tohoku is characterized by practicality nurtured in harsh natural environments and uniqueness utilizing regional materials, with Daimiyaki playing an important role in this tradition.
Conclusion: The Craft Culture of Iwate That Daimiyaki Conveys
Daimiyaki is a traditional porcelain production area in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, continuing from the Meiji period. This ceramic ware, founded by combining techniques that first-generation Sugimura Kanbei learned in Arita with high-quality ceramic stone from his hometown of Hanamaki, has developed as a rare porcelain culture in Tohoku.
With characteristics including the distinctive beauty of pale green sugar celadon glaze, durability suited to cold regions, and the fusion of folk-craft and refinement, Daimiyaki produces a wide range of works from everyday tableware to art pieces. Through over 120 years of history, the techniques cultivated are preserved by craftsmen today and continue to develop.
Located in Hanamaki Hot Spring region, a tourist destination, Daimiyaki plays an important role as a regional cultural resource and conveys the charm of Iwate’s craft culture to visitors. The efforts of Daimiyaki to preserve tradition while adapting to the present are suggestive when considering the future of Japan’s regional crafts.
When visiting Iwate Prefecture, be sure to visit Daimiyaki kiln studios and touch the charm of the porcelain culture nurtured in Tohoku. From the vessel you hold in your hand, 120 years of history, craftsmen’s techniques, and the nature of Hanamaki are sure to be conveyed.
