An Introductory Guide to Japanese Ceramics

Yakimono

As you enter the world of yakimono (焼き物, Japanese ceramics), it will likely change how you view the objects that populate your home - it certainly did for us. In an era of mass production, a handmade piece of tableware offers an entirely different experience. The unique pieces, made by skilled artisans, using techniques passed down through generations, naturally invite a moment of wholesome pause whether you are in a morning rush or winding down at the end of the day.

Ceramics or Pottery?

Despite being used often interchangeably in everyday conversations, all pottery are ceramics, but not all ceramics are pottery - this much is true whether we talk about them in a Western or Japanese context. Decades ago, Western archaeologists and historians translated Jomon Doki and Yayoi Doki as "Jomon Pottery" and "Yayoi Pottery", which became the established academic standard in English, and permanently stuck. However, the nuances differ slightly between English and Japanese. Within Japanese ceramics “pottery” refers to Toki, a specific subcategory of Earthenware, and at Zenko when we use the phrase “pottery” it is this Japanese definition we refer to both here, and across our store.

From Rustic Earthenware to Delicate Porcelain

Yakimono ranges from rustic earthenware to delicate porcelain. With this guide we hope to help you find which suits your taste, home, and lifestyle the most. Japanese ceramics are largely categorised into the four groups of Doki, Toki, Sekki, and Jiki. Some regional wares fall entirely within one category (e.g. all of Bizen ware is Sekki), while others, particularly when the characteristics are defined by their design and overglaze (e.g. Kyo Ware) may fall under different categories depending on the particular piece.

Of the four categories, Doki nowadays is primarily used for unglazed plant pots, while the remaining three are widely used in a range of homeware from tableware to vases and ornaments.

陶器  Pottery (Toki): Glazed Warmth and Weight

Toki (Pottery or Glazed Earthenware) is crafted from earth-rich porous clay and fired at moderate temperatures, requiring a layer of glaze to make it waterproof and suitable for everyday use. Toki potteries tend to be on the thicker and heavier side, making them comforting pieces particularly for warm beverages and meals. Lightly tapping the rim will produce a low, resonant sound. The easiest way to identify Toki is by turning a glazed piece upside down: the foot ring will usually reveal a coarse, earthy clay.

Care and maintenance: As they are highly porous and water absorbent underneath the glaze, Toki wares are recommended to be seasoned (medome) before first use. Refer to our guide for details on how to do this. To avoid odor and stain buildup, it is recommended to soak the pottery in water before use. This fills the gaps with water rather than particles from food or drink. While wet, new, dark dots may appear alongside the existing patterns or smooth surfaces. This is normal from the water penetrating the clay, and will fade away as it dries. Due to high water absorbency it is recommended to avoid microwave use, as it may damage the pottery. Best to hand wash soon after use, and always allow to fully air dry before storing. Remember it may look dry on the surface and be holding water inside the material, best to leave for 24 hours in a well-ventilated area before storing.

炻器  Stoneware (Sekki): Unglazed, Organic Wabi-Sabi

Sekki (Stoneware) is crafted from mineral-rich clays fired at intense temperatures, for an extended period of time, during which the material vitrifies and creates a dense, almost glass-like structure. This allows the final piece to remain natural and unglazed, yet completely waterproof. Holding a Sekki piece feels almost like holding a beautiful stone, giving you a feeling of connection to nature other types of ceramic wares simply cannot match. Sekki wares vary from rustic Bizen wares to smooth and elegant Tokoname teapots, each bringing a special wabi-sabi elegance which instantly elevates any table.

Care and maintenance: Although not necessary, unglazed pieces such as Bizen ware generally benefit from soaking in water before use to avoid staining. When you first start using an unglazed piece, it is best to avoid oily foods and liquids, but wetting before use will reduce oil staining. After use, wash with mild detergent and soft sponge as soon as possible to avoid staining. Always allow it to fully air dry before storing away to prevent mold.

磁器  Porcelain (Jiki): Elegance, Clarity, and Crisp Precision

Jiki (Porcelain) is the most elegant, refined category. Created from finely crushed white pottery stone, and fired at an extreme heat, the resulting piece is flawlessly smooth, pristine, and entirely non-porous. Holding a Jiki piece feels remarkably light and cool to the touch, often featuring thin rims to enhance the tasting experience of teas and broths. Lightly tapping the edge creates a distinct, almost metallic high-pitch sound. Jiki pieces bring elegance and sophistication to the table, while remaining robust enough to withstand daily use.

Care and maintenance: Porcelain is usually made thinner than other ceramics, but due to the high firing temperatures it is very durable with careful use. Some, but not all, can be dishwasher and microwave safe. Never put pieces with gold or silver overglaze and other metallic decorations into the microwave, and always consult product listings for appropriate care.

The Art of Contrast

The beauty of building a collection of Japanese wares lies not in buying a perfect set of matching items, but curating a diverse set of artisan pieces with different materials and histories to be placed side-by-side on the table. Think of the contrast created by a crisp, elegantly painted Jiki Arita porcelain next to a warm, rustic Sekki Bizen ware. Mixing the distinct textures (glossy smooth next to the unglazed tactile walls) and shapes (perfectly uniform next to the perfectly imperfect) naturally amplifies the impact of both.

Explore our carefully sourced collections to find the materials and textures that speak to your home. To be the first to know when our upcoming regional pottery spotlights go live, and to receive early access to our highly limited arrivals from Japan, we invite you to join our newsletter below.