Awaji pottery Japan

Awaji Ware Japan – Bio / Information

Awaji ware was established in the early 1830s by Minpei Kashu (1796–1871), also known as Mimpei, from Iga village. Coming from a wealthy trading family, Minpei was a scholar of classical literature and skilled in the art of chanoyu. Concerned about the development of industrial resources in his province, he dedicated himself to ceramic manufacturing, studying under the renowned Kyoto potter Ogata Shuhei (1788-1839). After completing his studies, he returned to his village and established kilns in the fifth year of Tenpō (1835/1836), investing his entire fortune into this endeavor. Some sources suggest the founding year was 1831.

Lord Hachisuka of Awaji Province later subsidized Minpei’s ceramic production and appointed him head of the workshops. Minpei’s efforts were successful, leading to a flourishing manufactory whose production value matched the rice harvest of eleven surrounding villages. After Minpei’s death in the second year of Bunkyū (1862), his successors continued the ceramic production, which became a significant source of wealth for the province.

Awaji pottery production continued until the 1930s, when the last kilns were shut down.