Echizen-yaki

Ancient unglazed pottery from Fukui, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns.

Echizen-yaki is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, produced in Fukui Prefecture for over 850 years. Like Bizen-yaki, it is traditionally unglazed, with natural ash glaze forming during lengthy wood firings to create warm amber and brown surfaces. Historically used for large storage jars and crocks, Echizen-yaki's robust, unpretentious character reflects the practical needs of rural life in Japan's snowy Hokuriku region.