Onta Ceramics

Finely crafted pottery has been made in Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, for hundreds of years. In the late 1500's, immigrant Korean potters brought new techniques such as kiln designs and ash glazing to the island. Many of these techniques in their original form are still evident in the local potteries today.

In the mountains of north-central Kyushu, near the town of Hita, you'll find Onta, a small village where such unique pottery is made. This type of pottery is perhaps the best example of true folk art in Japan and is well known for being both beautiful and useful.

Onta pottery was internationally recognised when the famous British potter Bernard Leach visited and worked at Onta in 1950's. Here he learned and shared his skills with local potters. Many other renowned Japanese artists have also visited Onta and collaborated with local artists.

Exhibition: Alchemy in Clay

10th November - 3rd December, 2006

KAZARI collector

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