What is Seto Ware?
Seto ware is a representative type of pottery that has been passed down mainly in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture. Its origins are ancient, and by the medieval period, ceramics using ash glaze and iron glaze were already being produced. Everyday items such as tea bowls, plates, and jars have long been commonly made, and Seto ware is known for its focus on practical vessels for daily life.
Why Seto Ware Developed Uniquely
Rich Clay Suitable for Pottery Production
The area around Seto contains abundant clay layers ideal for pottery. Various types of clay are found here, including clay with low iron content that turns white when fired and highly fire-resistant clay. These diverse soil qualities have enabled the production of a wide range of ceramics.
Accumulated Glazing Techniques
In Seto, glazes such as ash glaze and iron glaze have been used since ancient times. With many types of glazes and techniques built up over long periods, Seto ware features vessels with a wide variety of expressions—ranging from pieces with transparency to those with deep, rich colors.
Growth in Everyday Tableware Production
From the Muromachi period onward, everyday utensils such as tea bowls, plates, and small bowls were produced in large quantities in Seto. Especially during the Edo period, practical ceramics for common households were widely supplied, establishing Seto as a major production center for daily-use pottery. This history forms the foundation for the diverse styles seen in Seto ware today.
Representative Techniques and Expressions
Ash Glaze (Kaiyū)
Made from wood ash, this glaze is known for its transparency and soft luster. Simple yet full of character, it is one of Seto’s most iconic glazes.
Iron Glaze (Tetsuyū)
This glaze contains iron, producing calm tones ranging from dark brown to blackish hues. Its refined, subdued texture has made it a traditional glaze used in Seto for centuries.
Akatsu Ware and Its Variety of Glazes
Akatsu ware, produced in the Akatsu district of Seto City, is known for its wide range of glaze varieties. Traditional glazes such as ash glaze, iron glaze, Ki-Seto, Shino, Oribe, and Ofuke have been passed down, making Akatsu ware a symbol of Seto’s rich glaze culture.
Seto Ware Today
Modern Seto is home to many artists and studios who build upon traditional techniques while exploring new forms of expression. Exhibitions, solo shows, and studio displays are held regularly, and works range from tableware to interior pieces. With its long history and diverse techniques, Seto continues to create pottery suited to contemporary