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Image: Multi-chamber style climbing kiln, Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Bariston, Yakimonosanpomichi9, size by no, CC BY-SA 4.0
Japanese ceramics, known as yakimono (やきもの), hold a distinguished place in both traditional and contemporary artistry. From rustic stoneware to delicately hand-painted porcelain, each type of ceramic embodies a unique story of craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and functionality. In this inaugural post of our Yakimono 101 series, we will explore the four primary categories of Japanese ceramics—earthenware, stoneware, pottery, and porcelain—and their defining characteristics.
Before diving into specific types, it’s important to address a common misconception: the difference between ceramics and pottery. Ceramics is a broad term encompassing all objects made from clay and hardened by heat. While all pottery is a form of ceramics, not all ceramics are considered pottery.
To better understand the classification of Japanese ceramics, we reference the system outlined by the Kyushu Historical Museum (Kyushu Historical Museum Document).
Image: Hajiki from Funahashi Ruins (Fujiidera City, Osaka Prefecture). Tokyo National Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Earthenware is one of the oldest forms of ceramics, made from clay fired at relatively low temperatures (typically 700–800°C). Due to this lower firing temperature, it remains porous and unglazed, meaning it absorbs water and is not naturally waterproof. The clay often contains impurities, giving earthenware its characteristic rough, coarse texture.
Historically, earthenware was shaped using primitive techniques such as hand-molding (手捻り, tezukune) or coiling (紐作り, himozukuri), where clay is rolled into strips and stacked to form a shape. Firing was typically done in open pits (野焼き, noyaki) or simple kilns.
With a history spanning over 10,000 years, Jōmon pottery is among the earliest examples of ceramic art in Japan. While traditional earthenware is rarely used for modern tableware due to its high water absorption, it remains a vital part of Japan’s ceramic heritage.
Image: Shigaraki ware Jar from Muromachi period, early 15th century, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Stoneware is a dense, durable type of ceramic made from clay rich in feldspar and other minerals, fired at high temperatures (1,150–1,300°C). Unlike earthenware, it has low water absorption and is strong enough to hold liquids without significant leakage, though it is not fully vitrified like porcelain.
The introduction of stoneware to Japan was heavily influenced by Korean pottery techniques, particularly advanced kilns and the potter’s wheel. Early examples include Sue pottery (須恵器, Sueki), which was unglazed but fired at high temperatures for a harder structure.
A defining characteristic of stoneware is its versatility in glazing—it can be either glazed or unglazed. Some traditional Japanese stoneware, such as yakishime-tōki (焼締陶器), is high-fired without glaze, resulting in a natural surface finish.
Among these, Bizen ware and Shigaraki ware are known for their rustic, earthy textures, often featuring natural ash glazing from the firing process. Stoneware remains widely used in both traditional and modern Japanese ceramics, valued for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Image: Large ash-glazed vase from Sanage kiln, Heian period, 9th century, Tokyo National Museum collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Pottery is a type of ceramic made from clay containing feldspar and other minerals, fired at 1,100–1,200°C. It is softer and more porous than stoneware and porcelain, but unlike earthenware, it is typically glazed to reduce water absorption and enhance durability. The development of pottery in Japan was significantly influenced by advanced ceramic techniques from China and Korea.
The origins of glazed pottery in Japan can be traced back to Sue pottery (須恵器, Sueki), where wood ash accidentally fused with the clay surface during firing, creating a natural ash glaze. By the 8th century, Chinese imports such as Tang Sancai (唐三彩), celadon (青磁, seiji), and white porcelain (白磁, hakuji) introduced vibrant colors and refined aesthetics. Inspired by these innovations, Japanese potters began producing ash-glazed (灰釉) and green-glazed (緑釉) pottery, such as Nara Sancai (奈良三彩).
During the medieval period, the Seto kilns (瀬戸窯) refined glazing techniques, producing pottery in hues of brown (katsuyū, 褐釉), green, and yellow. By the Azuchi-Momoyama period (late 16th century), the Mino kilns (美濃窯) became a center for richly glazed pottery, shaping the evolution of Japanese tea ceramics and everyday tableware.
Among these, Karatsu ware (唐津焼) is prized for its understated elegance and natural glaze effects, making it a staple in Japanese tea culture. Mino ware (美濃焼), with its diverse glazing styles, played a crucial role in shaping Japanese aesthetics during the 16th century.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, ImariA, CC BY-SA 2.5
Unlike earthenware, stoneware, and pottery, which are made from clay containing feldspar and other minerals, porcelain is crafted from kaolin, feldspar, and silica. This unique composition makes it a ceramic derived from “stone” rather than “earth.” Porcelain is fired at 1,300°C or higher, resulting in a highly durable, non-porous, and often translucent material.
While Japan has a long history of pottery production, porcelain was not introduced until the early Edo period (17th century). The origins of Japanese porcelain trace back to 1616, when Korean potter Yi Sam-pyeong (李三平) discovered porcelain stone in Arita, Saga Prefecture, and successfully fired Japan’s first porcelain. Archaeological research confirms that porcelain production had already begun in Arita by the 1610s.
Among these, Arita ware (有田焼) is considered Japan’s first porcelain and played a pivotal role in Japan’s ceramic export trade.
This classification follows references from the Kyushu Historical Museum and the Ceramic Museum of Japan. However, it is important to note that ceramic classifications vary internationally:
Thus, ceramic classification systems are shaped by regional histories and traditions, rather than a universally standardized framework.
Japanese ceramics reflect centuries of tradition, artistry, and innovation. Each type of ceramic tells a story of craftsmanship, culture, and functionality. By understanding the differences between earthenware, stoneware, pottery, and porcelain, you can better appreciate the beauty and versatility of these timeless creations.
If you would like to check the actual touch of Japanese yakimono, you are welcome to visit ARTLAB TAKUMI’s online shop. We offer a variety of Shigaraki ware and Arita ware, with more items like Mino ware coming soon.
🌿 Stay tuned for the next post in our “Yakimono 101” series, where we’ll delve deeper into the regional styles and techniques that define Japanese ceramics.
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