Koishiwara-yaki

This is a map of Japan with the location of Koishiwara in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu, marked on it. Koishiwara is on the border with Oita Prefecture, and is close to the Ogata production area in Oita Prefecture across the mountains.

Koishiwara ware is a type of pottery which is made in Koishiwara, Fukuoka Prefecture. It

dates back to the 17th century, when the third

Lord Kuroda Mitsuyuki (1628–1707) invited potters from Imari, Saga-prefecture to Fukuoka. Koishiwara ware is the first to be designated a Traditional Craft Product in Japan. During the folk art and ceramics boom of the mid-20th century, Koishiwara ware became a much-loved example of Fukuoka Prefecture's traditional crafts. Today, Koishiwara ware continues to delight with its simple and sturdy style that has not lost its rustic charm.

A number of distinctive techniques and patterns are used to decorate Koishiwara ware, one of which is called "Tobikanna" (Jumping iron) and used on the cups of Asemi Co. The artisan uses a metal tool to apply chatter markings on the half dry surface of the cup, while it is turning on the potter’s wheel. True to its name the “jumping iron” leaves the typical Koishiwara-Yaki markings behind.