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Mino Ware

Mino Ware

Mino ware, crafted in Gifu Prefecture's Tono region, is renowned among Japanese pottery for its rich heritage and versatility. It features over fifteen distinct styles, making it more varied than many other Japanese ceramics. 

Now accounting for over 50 percent of Japan's ceramic production, its popularity is unmatched. Designated as a traditional craft in 1978, Mino ware reflects a blend of historical depth and modern relevance, exemplifying exceptional craftsmanship.

History of Mino Ware

Mino ware, named after the historical province of Mino (now part of Gifu Prefecture), has a history of over 1,300 years, beginning in the late Kofun period (7th century). Early production centered around sueki stoneware fired in anagama kilns built into mountain slopes in the Tono region.

By the Heian period (794–1185 CE), potters developed ash glazes using plant ash, creating early glazed ceramics. In the Muromachi period (1336–1573 CE), larger and more efficient ogama kilns appeared, allowing for more stable ash- and iron-glazed wares.

During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1603 CE), Mino ware flourished with the rise of the tea ceremony. Styles such as ki-Seto, Seto-guro, Oribe, and Shino emerged, the latter named after samurai tea master Furuta Oribe. These vividly glazed, free-form wares marked the height of Mino-Momoyama pottery, known for its artistic innovation.

Oribe Green Mino Ware Japanese Teacup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift

In the Edo period (1603–1868 CE), the use of noborigama kilns expanded production of both tea wares and daily-use ceramics. By the late Edo period, porcelain production began in Mino, enhancing its role in Japan’s ceramics industry.

From the Meiji period (1868 CE–1912 CE) onward, mass production techniques and decorative methods such as transfer printing enabled nationwide distribution and international export. In the 20th century, Mino also contributed to industrial ceramics and advanced technical applications.

Today, Mino remains Japan’s largest ceramics-producing region, responsible for over 50 percent of domestic tableware, blending tradition with modern innovation.

Representative Styles

Oribe

Oribe ware was developed under the guidance of Furuta Oribe, a famed tea master and samurai who succeeded Sen no Rikyu. It is celebrated for its bold and unconventional aesthetic, reflecting the spirit of wabi sabi in its innovative forms.

The hallmark of Oribe ware is its deep green glaze, known as Oribe glaze, which exudes a rustic, earthy feel. This striking green coloration and asymmetrical design captivated tea practitioners of the time and continues to charm admirers today.

There are several variations of Oribe ware differentiated by decorative style and firing technique, including e-Oribe (painted Oribe), aka-Oribe (red Oribe), kuro-Oribe (black Oribe), Shino-Oribe, and Iga-Oribe.

Shino

Shino ware is one of the earliest styles of white-glazed pottery in Japan, originating during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. It is believed to have been developed under the influence of Shino Soshin, a tea master of the Muromachi period.

Characterized by its thick, milky-white Shino glaze, Shino ware often reveals subtle pinkish tones and fine surface kannyu or pores, giving it a warm and gentle texture. It uses coarser clay, and its soft color palette complements traditional tea ceremony aesthetics.

Variants include e-Shino (painted Shino), muji-Shino (plain Shino), aka-Shino (red Shino), nezumi-Shino (mouse-grey Shino), and nerikomi-Shino (marbled Shino).

Snow Shino Mino Ware Ramen Bowl S - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Representative Styles

Ki-seto

Ki-Seto ware is distinguished by its soft yellowish glaze, achieved using iron-rich materials that develop warm golden hues during firing. Though once believed to originate in Seto, archaeological findings confirmed it was produced in the Mino region.

The glaze sometimes incorporates touches of green from natural copper sulfate and is typically adorned with simple line or floral motifs. Its subtle, refined beauty offers a different mood from the boldness of Oribe or the softness of Shino, making it especially suitable for tea utensils and everyday tableware alike.

Its understated tone also enhances the visual appeal of food, adding to its enduring popularity in culinary presentation.

Image Source: ColBase (https://colbase.nich.go.jp/collection_items/tnm/G-4825?locale=ja)

Seto-guro

Seto-guro, meaning “Seto black,” is renowned for its jet-black luster, achieved through a unique high-temperature firing and rapid cooling technique. The pottery is removed from the kiln while still glowing hot and plunged into water to achieve its glossy black finish, a method known as hikidashi-guro.

The surface often features delicate crazing from thermal shock, adding character and depth. The dramatic black glaze and organic imperfections make Seto-guro a striking choice for tea bowls, where contrast and texture are highly valued.

Image Source: ColBase (https://colbase.nich.go.jp/collection_items/tnm/G-5228?locale=ja)

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Camellia Japanese TeacupCamellia Japanese Teacup
Camellia Japanese Teacup Sale price$74.00 USD
Ihoshiro Kiln Japanese Lantern Series Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftIhoshiro Kiln Japanese Lantern Series Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Animal-Themed Bread Chopstick RestAnimal-Themed Bread Chopstick Rest
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Special OfferWaffle Chopstick RestWaffle Chopstick Rest
Waffle Chopstick Rest Sale price$7.00 USD Regular price$8.00 USD
Ihoshiro Kiln Gourd Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftIhoshiro Kiln Gourd Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
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Bamboo Culm Chopstick Rest Sale price$9.00 USD
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Special OfferBiscuit Chopstick RestBiscuit Chopstick Rest
Biscuit Chopstick Rest Sale price$7.00 USD Regular price$8.00 USD
Ihoshiro Kiln Otemoto Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftOtemoto Wrapper Chopstick Rest
Otemoto Wrapper Chopstick Rest Sale price$8.00 USD
Ihoshiro Kiln Hagoita Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftIhoshiro Kiln Hagoita Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hagoita Paddle Chopstick Rest Sale price$6.00 USD
Neko Chigura Cat Mino Ware Kobachi Bowl - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftNeko Chigura Cat Mino Ware Kobachi Bowl - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Black Crystal Mino Ware Japanese Teacup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftBlack and Blue Japanese Teacup
Gold Lined Red Japanese TeacupGold Lined Red Japanese Teacup
Gold Lined Red Japanese Teacup Sale price$33.00 USD
Ihoshiro Kiln Takoyaki Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftIhoshiro Kiln Takoyaki Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Special OfferStar-Shaped Snowflake Chopstick RestStar-Shaped Snowflake Chopstick Rest
Star-Shaped Snowflake Chopstick Rest Sale price$7.00 USD Regular price$8.00 USD
Special OfferMadeleine Chopstick RestMadeleine Chopstick Rest
Madeleine Chopstick Rest Sale price$7.00 USD Regular price$8.00 USD
Rainbow Black Mino Ware Japanese Teacup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftRainbow Black Mino Ware Japanese Teacup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Special OfferHexagonal Snowflake Chopstick RestHexagonal Snowflake Chopstick Rest
Hexagonal Snowflake Chopstick Rest Sale price$7.00 USD Regular price$8.00 USD
Ihoshiro Kiln Christmas Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftIhoshiro Kiln Christmas Mino Ware Chopstick Rest - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Christmas Chopstick Rest Sale price$10.00 USD
White Bamboo Leaves Mino Ware Japanese Teacup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftWhite Bamboo Leaves Mino Ware Japanese Teacup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Spinning Stripe Ramen Bowl 7.7 inSpinning Stripe Ramen Bowl 7.7 in
Spinning Stripe Ramen Bowl 7.7 in Sale price$126.00 USD
Stripe Pattern Ramen Bowl 7.7 inStripe Pattern Ramen Bowl 7.7 in
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Matte Black Modern Shokado Bento Box LLMatte Black Modern Shokado Bento Box LL
White Camellia Small Two Tiers BoxWhite Camellia Small Two Tiers Box
Bicolor Hexagonal Guinomi Sake CupBicolor Hexagonal Guinomi Sake Cup
Oribe Wave Hexagonal Guinomi Sake CupOribe Wave Hexagonal Guinomi Sake Cup
Musashi Kiln Camellia Mino Ware Long Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftMusashi Kiln Camellia Mino Ware Long Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Musashi Kiln Water Plant Mino Ware Long Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftWater Plant Rectangle Dinner Plate
Camellia Blooms Hexagonal Guinomi Sake CupCamellia Blooms Hexagonal Guinomi Sake Cup
Camellia Toothpick HolderCamellia Toothpick Holder
Kinsai Mesh Design Katakuchi Sake CarafeKinsai Mesh Design Katakuchi Sake Carafe
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Hibino Mars Mino Ware Square Plate 9.4in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHibino Mars Mino Ware Square Plate 9.4in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Mars Square Dinner Plate 9.4 in Sale priceFrom $51.00 USD
5.0(1Reviews)
Hibino Red Brown Earthenware Mino Ware Japanese Teapot 13.5oz(400ml) - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHibino Red Brown Earthenware Mino Ware Japanese Teapot 13.5oz(400ml) - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hibino Ash Glaze Mino Ware Footed Square Plate 8.3 in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHibino Ash Glaze Mino Ware Footed Square Plate 8.3 in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hibino Ash Glaze Mino Ware Footed Square Plate 7in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHibino Ash Glaze Mino Ware Footed Square Plate 7in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
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Cazuela Deep Side Plate Sale price$24.00 USD
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Eccle Ash White Dinner Plate Sale price$71.00 USD
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Tenter Dinner Plate Sale price$91.00 USD
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Legare Dinner Plate Sale price$103.00 USD
Sold outHibino Summum Mino Ware Bowl L - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHibino Summum Mino Ware Bowl L - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
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Sold outMatte Black Modern Shokado Bento Box MMatte Black Modern Shokado Bento Box M
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