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Brand Introduction Kaga Hyakumangoku's 370-Year Tradition of Beauty Kutani ware is highly regarded worldwide as one of Japan's three major colored porcelain and as a representative traditional craft of Japan, "Japan Kutani." About Kutani Ware The history of Kutani dates back to around 1 655. The lord of Kaga Daishoji, Maeda Toshiharu, noticed the discovery of ceramic stone in a gold mine. He ordered the renowned alchemist Gotō Saijirō to learn pottery in Hizen and established a kiln in Kutani. However, in the early 1700s, the kiln mysteriously ceased operations. The items produced during this period are referred to as "Kokutani." Kutani ware is primarily produced in Kanazawa, Kaga, and Nomi City in Ishikawa Prefecture, with Terai Town in Nomi City known as "Kutani no Sato," the center of the industry. Craftsmen, kiln operators, wholesalers, and box makers gather here. Additionally, the pottery village is equipped with facilities such as a museum and a school (Ishikawa Prefectural Kutani Ware Technical Training Institute) and support workshops. Process of Making Kutani Ware - Shaping: Round items are shaped using a potter's wheel, while complex shapes like square items and figurines are hand-formed. - Bisque Firing: Firing at about 800 degrees for 8 hours results in a skin color. After that, it is fired at high temperatures of 1300 degrees for over 15 hours in the main kiln. - Overglaze Decoration: After outlining with gosu, color is applied using traditional Japanese paints. The colors of Kutani ware differ significantly before and after firing, making color mixing and matching quite challenging, showcasing the skill of the artisans! - Overglaze Firing: This is the final step. Depending on the color, it is fired overnight at around 800 degrees. However, if gold or silver is used, it must be fired again in a gold kiln at low temperatures of 400-500 degrees. Can it be washed in a dishwasher? Repeated washing in a dishwasher may cause color fading, so please hand wash. Can it be used in a microwave? Items that use gold or silver cannot be used. Others are usable. About Crackle Some items may have fine crackle-like patterns in the base material. Enjoy the unique texture of pottery. Is it