Sustainable ceramic pottery emphasizes eco-friendly practices in Japanese craft pottery-making, from material sourcing to production and disposal. Artisans and ceramic producers increasingly adopt methods that reduce their environmental footprint, making sustainability a key consideration in modern pottery.
Exploring How Traditional Japanese Pottery Is Embracing Sustainability While Preserving Age-Old Craftsmanship
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Sustainable ceramic pottery focuses on reducing environmental impact through various eco-friendly practices. These include using locally sourced or recycled clay, and non-toxic glazes, to minimize transportation and harmful chemicals. Potters also aim for energy-efficient production by utilizing solar or electric kilns and limiting the number of firings. Waste reduction is another priority, with artisans reusing clay scraps and adopting circular economy principles by creating durable, long-lasting pieces. Sustainable potters also prioritize ethical labor and support local communities, emphasizing both environmental responsibility and the value of craftsmanship in pottery.
CHIPS inc.
The Mino region, where CHIPS Inc. manufactures its ceramics, is Japan’s largest ceramic production area. Due to the high volume of ceramics produced, many defective or damaged products are inevitably created during the manufacturing process.
In response to this challenge, CHIPS Inc. has taken steps to minimize waste by developing a process to recycle these defective items, ensuring that unusable products don’t end up as garbage.
The result of these efforts is the SAI series, a line of products made from recycled clay that includes 20% of CHIPS Inc.’s defective ceramics. By repurposing these materials, the company has successfully produced eco-friendly and colorful tableware, offering a sustainable option without compromising beauty or quality.
With the SAI series, CHIPS Inc. invites customers to be more environmentally conscious, knowing that each piece contributes to reducing waste in the ceramics industry.
Ri Sanpei Kiln – Arita Ware
Ri Sanpei (Yi Sam-pyeong) Kiln is operated by the descendants of Ri Sanpei, a renowned Korean ceramic master who was the first to produce porcelain in Arita, Saga Prefecture, Unlike modern Arita Ware, this kiln has revived the original materials and techniques that defined early Arita Ware. Kanagae Shohei, the 14th-generation kiln master has a strong vision regarding sustainability, particularly the SDGs goal of “responsible production and consumption,” emphasizing the efficient use of resources in the irreversible ceramic-making process.
Unlike disposable plastics, these ceramic pieces are designed to be cherished for generations and passed down for generations: long-lasting items not only enrich food culture but also reduce environmental impact.
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Hanasaka – Kutani Ware
Hanasaka is a ceramic brand produced by Taniguchi Seidojo, a specialist in Kutani-ware, a traditional style of Japanese pottery from Ishikawa Prefecture dating back to the early Edo period (17th century). Hanasaka ceramics are known for being crafted from a specific type of pottery stone called Hanasaka pottery stone, which is unique to a limited number of quarries in the Kutani area. The brand is highly regarded for its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics, contributing to the heritage of Japanese ceramics while embracing sustainable practices.
The “Une” collection is crafted entirely from Kutani Ware clay, utilizing impurities removed during the clay refinement process as a natural glaze. This unique glaze enhances the clay’s inherent beauty, resulting in a warm, organic finish without adding color. The pieces boast a silky-smooth texture, highlighting the raw elegance of the material. As semi-permanent ceramics, these items are perfect for everyday use and reflect a thoughtful approach to resource conservation, contributing to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
TRIP WARE
TRIPWARE derives its name from the concept of ceramics embarking on a journey: starting in the kiln, serving their role on household tables, and ultimately returning to the kiln to complete the cycle. Pottery clay and stones, crucial in ceramics production, are finite resources formed over centuries. To make responsible use of these materials, a group of companies from the Mino ware region—responsible for nearly 60% of Japan’s tableware—joined forces to establish a ceramic recycling brand. This eco-friendly process involves breaking down unwanted pottery, mixing the fragments with fresh clay, and re-firing them to create new ceramic pieces.
Product planning and design are led by Ichihara Seito, while the Yoshita Handicraft Design Office specializes in developing functional, sustainable items that are both user-friendly and environmentally conscious. Their standout lidded bowls, for example, serve as both tableware and storage containers, with the lids doubling as plates to ensure practicality. The collection also features various cups and plates in different sizes, with the soft hues and rounded shapes characteristic of Mino ware, adding warmth and charm to any dining table.
The Future of Sustainable Craft in Japanese Pottery
The resurgence of sustainable practices in Japanese pottery shows that craftsmanship and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously. From recycled clay at CHIPS Inc. to the circular economy model of Tripware, and the preservation of traditional techniques by Ri Sanpei Kiln and Hanasaka Kutani Ware, these brands are redefining Japanese craft. By producing durable, eco-friendly pieces that celebrate both heritage and innovation, these potters are paving the way for the future of sustainable Japanese craft.
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