Shinano, a quiet town of pottery nestled in Mount Mikuni’s valleys, sits in the northeastern part of Seto City, surrounded by satoyama—wooded hills and fields near villages. It’s here, in the studio of SINGAMA, that a family of artisans crafts delicate Seto sometsuke. From blending clay to shaping, firing, and hand-painting seasonal motifs in blue and white, the process unfolds with deliberate calm. Guided by daily reflection and deep attention to detail, SINGAMA creates work that honors tradition while exploring new possibilities, refining expression through subtle shifts in form and color.

SINGAMA specializes in Seto sometsuke, a tradition of blue-and-white porcelain that began in the early 19th century. As Seto moved from earthenware to porcelain, potters like Kato Tamikichi introduced techniques from the Kyushu region, leading to the first sometsuke in the area. The distinctive blue is created using gosu, a cobalt-based pigment whose tone varies subtly depending on the clay, glaze, and firing method.

To deepen the richness of the blue, SINGAMA uses a firing technique unique to Seto called nerashi, where the temperature is held high for an extended time to produce a fluid, luminous finish. Designs are painted entirely by hand using dami, a method in which gosu is poured from a thick brush to create expressive shading, much like ink painting.

 In 1997, Seto sometsuke was officially recognized as a traditional Japanese craft, valued for its soft forms, painterly lines, and quiet beauty in daily life.

Fine blue lines on white porcelain—some curved like leaf veins, others drawn in clean geometric patterns—define this series. Each piece is hand-painted, with subtle variations in line and shade that reflect the artisan’s touch. Whether organic or structured, the lines feel calm yet refined, inviting a quiet appreciation of form, rhythm, and everyday beauty.

With a soft matte finish and graceful hand-painted motifs, this series brings out the delicate beauty of gosu in full bloom. The designs—ranging from subtle blossoms to flowing branches—highlight the expressive gradation of indigo, giving each piece a watercolor-like charm. Gentle in tone and refined in detail, these pieces offer a softer expression of SINGAMA’s sometsuke tradition.

At Singama in Seto, Japan, delicate indigo lines are drawn freehand—no rulers, just brush, breath, and years of practiced skill. In this video, third-generation artisan Shinya shares the story behind the kiln’s name, the tools he trusts, and the quiet discipline behind every stroke. His work in Seto sometsuke, a traditional blue-and-white porcelain, is rooted in family history and shaped by the landscapes of Shinano.

From choosing the perfect brush to designing patterns that flow with the form of each piece, Shinya’s process reflects a deep respect for both beauty and function. Watch as tradition and individuality come together in a craft passed down for over 100 years.