Tokoname Ware

Making Tokoname Ware is a 1,000 year old tradition in Japan.
This is one of the six kilns officially recognized as pieces of Japanese heritage, referred to collectively as the “Six Ancient Kilns” of Japan.

Tokoname are refers to the stoneware fired around Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture, but also extends to include pieces made in other areas of Chita Peninsula as well. Stoneware is related to porcelain and ceramics, but is fired to be much harder. The clay used to make these items often have iron in it, so when fired at about 1,200 to 1,300 degrees Celsius, it will tighten to have zero water absorbency and become extremely hard.

The clay of Tokoname includes iron, is very adhesive, and its particles are extremely fine. This makes it very smooth to the touch.
Normally, firing ceramics with clay that contains iron will often turn it black or cause bulges if not worked with very carefully. However, Tokoname ware takes this drawback and uses the iron inside the local clay to make unique, terracotta wares.