“Chikuhodo,” on Hondori Street in the Bikan Historical Area, sells Bizen ware tools.
A traditional craft of Okayama, Bizen ware is known for its calm reddish-brown hues and its simple, rustic beauty.
It may be something that people from outside Okayama Prefecture are not very familiar with.
It is called “tools,” not “pottery” or “vessels.” There is a reason for this.
- What makes Bizen ware appealing?
- What does it mean to bring Bizen ware into everyday life?
We heard some fascinating stories from the owner of Chikuhodo. Why not consider Bizen ware as a souvenir or gift?
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in April 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Patterns in Bizen ware created by nature
Knowing a little about Bizen ware first will help you better understand the interview that follows.
Bizen ware is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns
Six Ancient Kilns: Representative pottery-producing regions with a history dating back to the medieval period. In addition to Bizen, they include Seto, Tokoname, Echizen, Shigaraki, and Tamba.
No glaze is used
Glaze: Also called uwagusuri, it is used to add shine or color.
Because no glaze is used, the color of the clay itself changes depending on the firing and the metal content of the soil.
The patterns are created by harnessing the forces of nature, such as the strength and direction of the flames.
Patterns can also be added intentionally by wrapping the piece in straw or placing cushioning material on it.
Interview with the owner of Bizen Ware Chikuhodo
We spoke with the owner, Takashige Uno.
This interview was conducted during our first visit in January 2019.
Bamboo, a Kurashiki specialty, is an important item
When did you open the shop?
Uno
In 1987, just before the Seto-Ohashi Bridge opened.
Could you tell us how the shop got its name?
Uno
Chikuhodo means “a hall of bamboo treasures.”
For us, bamboo is an important item. It is a Kurashiki specialty, and it also serves as a model for our tools.
What do you mean by “model”?
Uno
For example, there is bamboo right there.
Hmm, that’s difficult…! Do you mean that it is modeled on bamboo? And by “tools,” you mean things used in flower arranging and the tea ceremony, right?
Uno
That’s right. Look at the flower container over there. Its base is shaped like bamboo.
There are also pieces modeled on water jars, bags, and daikon radish roots, as well as ones shaped like people.
Uno
In flower arranging and the tea ceremony, these become items and elements.
They express the presence of a bamboo grove, Mount Fuji, or nature itself.
I see.
Uno
“Modeling” means creating something that extends beyond the phenomenon itself. The hojo quarters at temples in Kyoto are an example.
You create scenes of autumn or spring in a small space. And evoke them in the viewer’s mind, even if they are not actually there.
The appeal of Bizen ware lies in how it looks different to each person
What is good about Bizen ware?
Uno
It has all kinds of patterns and a sense of playfulness. They can also suggest a sunrise or sunset.
Imagine a painting of a sunflower. In the painting, a sunflower can only be a sunflower. It cannot become anything else.
So the patterns in Bizen ware can look like different things to different people.
Uno
It’s not a matter of good or bad. You’re free to think of whatever you like. There is value in letting your thoughts wander.
Giving Bizen ware as a gift: The owner’s advice on how to reach a little higher
What kind of Bizen ware would make a good gift?
Uno
It depends on your relationship with the recipient, whether they’re a relative or a friend.
If you want something broadly appealing and safe, I’d recommend a flower container.
You mean a flower vessel, like a vase? It seems a little difficult to choose one.
Uno
Giving someone a flower container can elevate both them and yourself.
You give it to them thinking they might enjoy flowers—displaying or arranging them.
That’s true. It’s nice to be thought of that way.
Uno
The recipient will probably think that you, the person who chose the flower container, are someone who enjoys flowers. So it elevates you, too.
It’s one way of reaching a little higher.
You make each other think that you have the time and refinement to appreciate flowers. It’s like a grown-up’s subtle game. I’d never thought of it that way.
Do you have any advice for beginners buying Bizen ware for the first time?
Uno
Well, why not try bringing a flower container, a jar, or an ornament into your everyday life?
I’d really like people to make time to handle these tools, regardless of gender.
Uno
If you display seasonal flowers or ornaments in the alcove or tatami room, your family, who see them up close, will understand that you’re someone who values that kind of life.
Even without saying anything, the people around you can naturally learn an appreciation for beauty.
The Mingei movement and the Ohara family’s connection: What they hope to pass on in the Bikan Historical Area
When I think of pottery, I picture everyday tableware like plates and teacups, but it was originally made as tools.
Uno
There were no Bizen ware cups before the war.
Uno
Crafts, which had been objects of appreciation, began to become accessible to the general public around the time of the Mingei movement. This is also known as “the beauty of utility.”
Mingei movement: Advocated by Yanagi Muneyoshi and others. Its aim was to protect and promote mingei. “Mingei” (folk crafts) was a term coined by Yanagi, referring to popular crafts made by artisans by hand.
The beauty of utility: The idea that beauty resides in everyday items used by ordinary people.
The history and appeal of mingei are explained in our article about the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft.
The Ohara family of Kurashiki was also involved in the Mingei movement at the time. The Oharas provided financial support to protect traditional crafts.
Continuing to do business in the Bikan Historical Area reflects our desire to honor the Ohara family and share their achievements.
From the Writer
For me, deeply immersed in the convenience of modern life, the things owner Uno told me were incredibly refreshing.
But he never said anything dismissive like, “Young people these days don’t know about this.”
What left an impression on me was that he didn’t try to impose anything, but simply offered suggestions, like, “Why not try it this way?”
Valuing tradition doesn’t mean clinging to it in order to preserve it; it means not forgetting it. Keep it in mind, and when something you like comes to mind, try incorporating it into your life.
Perhaps we can preserve it by passing it on with that kind of lightness and flexibility.
You don’t need to know complicated things like the tools or the proper etiquette. Please take a look at the Bizen ware displayed in the shop.
I hope that experience will be one of the ways you come to know Bizen ware.
Bizen Ware Chikuhodo details
| Name | Bizen Ware Chikuhodo |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-25-31 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-6270 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Open daily |
| Payment methods |
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