Three Key Aspects for Finding What You Love

Hasami ware designs are incredibly diverse. To find a piece that's just right for you, it helps to have a few key perspectives to guide your selection.

The first is the world of "Traditional Patterns," which dates back to the Edo period. The indigo patterns, created using a technique called *sometsuke*, are imbued with people's wishes and hopes.

The second is "Color," born from the artisans' spirit of exploration. The colors created by the chemical reactions of glazes have a one-of-a-kind charm.

The third is "Modern Shapes and Concepts," created to suit contemporary lifestyles. Influenced by international life and minimalism, new designs incorporating functionality and fresh values are constantly emerging.

Keeping these aspects in mind will surely make the sometimes overwhelming process of choosing tableware clearer and more enjoyable.

A Guide to Hasami Ware Designs by Type:

Now, let's take a closer look at specific types of designs. By understanding the characteristics and background of each, from traditional to modern, your appreciation for the pieces will grow even deeper.

Traditional Patterns: A World of Indigo Filled with Wishes

The traditional beauty of Hasami ware lies in the striking contrast between the pure white porcelain body, derived from Amakusa pottery stone, and the deep indigo of a cobalt pigment called 'gosu.' Patterns are painted onto the unglazed bisque body with gosu, after which a transparent glaze is applied, and the piece is fired at a high temperature. Inside the kiln, the pigment undergoes a chemical reaction, transforming into a vibrant indigo blue. The traditional patterns drawn with this 'sometsuke' technique are imbued with wishes and meanings that have long been a part of people's daily lives.

One of the most representative patterns is the 'karakusamon' (arabesque). Depicting vines stretching out in all directions, this pattern symbolizes a strong life force and has been cherished as an auspicious design for longevity and the prosperity of one's family. It's a design that could be called the very essence of Hasami ware, as it was also painted on the 'kurawanka-wan' bowls that became popular among commoners during the Edo period.

The 'kikuwari' shape and pattern, modeled after chrysanthemum petals, are also common. As the chrysanthemum is a symbol of longevity, this too has become established as a design that brings good fortune. Many other traditional patterns have been passed down to this day, including the 'gobenka,' a simple and approachable five-petaled flower frequently used on items like the kurawanka-wan bowls.

Rich Colors: The Magic of Glazes Born from an Artisan's Inquisitive Spirit

A standout feature of recent Hasami ware is its incredible richness of color. Beyond the traditional indigo *sometsuke* underglaze, a wide array of brightly colored pieces that liven up the dining table are being produced. These colors are born from "glazes" (*yuyaku*), which artisans create through years of experience and relentless curiosity.

One master artisan, who specialized in glazes during his apprenticeship in Kyoto, recalls being captivated by both their complexity and their charm. Glazes are made by mixing natural raw materials like feldspar, silica, and limestone. A spectrum of colors is unlocked through the specific blend and the chemical reactions that occur during firing. For example, adding a large amount of iron to a glaze can result in a light blue, or a deep black if the concentration is even higher. Adding copper creates a stunning turquoise blue.

The world of glazes, which relies on natural ingredients, is so profound that even artisans with over 40 years of experience admit, "There's still so much I don't know." The final expression of a piece can change based on the origin of the raw materials or the slightest variations in kiln conditions. This very unpredictability—the way things never turn out exactly as planned—is what makes it so fascinating, lending each piece its own unique personality and charm. While there was once a perception that blue tableware made food look unappetizing, that stereotype has vanished, allowing makers to freely explore an ever-expanding palette of creative color expressions.

Modern Design: Shapes That Suit Contemporary Life

Thanks to its history of not being bound by any single traditional style, Hasami ware has flexibly adapted to shifting needs and lifestyles, giving rise to an astonishing variety of contemporary designs.

One such direction is minimalist design that champions functional beauty. For example, you can find multifunctional pieces that are stackable for easy storage, where plates double as lids for bowls. This style of design first gained popularity in the American market before being "reverse-imported" back to Japan.

Also in high demand are pieces influenced by Scandinavian design, featuring organic motifs and clean lines. Cozy designs with patterns of plants and animals, or timeless striped patterns like those in the "かさね縞" series by Hakusan Toki, blend seamlessly into any dining setting, whether Japanese or Western.

What's more, new brands are emerging that shatter the conventional image of Hasami ware with a pop and colorful aesthetic. Inspired by the sturdy, mass-market tableware of 1960s American diners, these colorful mugs and plates, reinterpreted with a modern sensibility, have been widely embraced, particularly by younger generations.

The Evolution of Tradition: "Hotaru-yaki" and its Play of Light

Another exciting trend is the revival of traditional techniques through a modern lens. A prime example is the fresh take on "Hotaru-yaki" (firefly ware). This is a technique where openwork patterns are carved into the clay body, and the resulting holes are filled with a clear glaze before firing. When held up to the light, the carved patterns appear to glow like fireflies (*hotaru*), which gives the technique its name.

This technique, once all the rage in Hasami, inspired one kiln to wonder if they could reshape traditional Hotaru-yaki with a fresh perspective, leading to the creation of their own unique series. For example, a bowl featuring openwork carvings shaped like *medaka* (Japanese rice fish) showcases a modern, playful design while still employing this classic method. The appeal of this ware lies in its translucence; the color of the drink poured inside peeks through to the outside, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow.

Finding "The One": Your Perfect Piece for Everyday Life

We've explored the wonderfully diverse world of Hasami ware design, looking at it from several angles. Discovering the meanings embedded in traditional patterns might inspire a deeper appreciation for the Japanese dining experience. The rich colors of glazes, born from the inquisitive spirit of artisans, are sure to make your daily meals look even more vibrant. Meanwhile, modern designs, thoughtfully crafted for contemporary living, satisfy our desire for both functionality and simple beauty.

What I've come to feel while writing this article is that at the core of Hasami ware's design philosophy is something consistent and profound. Rather than rigidly preserving a specific style, there is a flexible and sincere spirit that has always focused on the "user's lifestyle," striving to deliver the pottery that each era demands. Perhaps it is this very spirit that has allowed such a captivating diversity of designs to continue evolving for over 400 years, still capturing our hearts today.