Otani Ware

Otani Ware is a type of Japanese pottery having over a 230-years tradition in Oasa-cho, Naruto City.

The pottery was developed due to the large demand for enormous pots to pour indigo liquid used for indigo dye. The process of making large works including indigo pots is characteristic and is called “Ne-rokuro” (one person lies on his side and spins a potter’s wheel by his feet, and another person shapes the clay). The size of climbing kilns to fire large pottery is famous, too.

Another characteristic of Otani Ware is its rough texture due to iron-rich materials and metallic sheen. In recent years, a variety of products has been created from daily necessities such as tea cups to items that are beyond the common impression of Otani Ware.

It was designated as National Traditional Craft in September 2003.