Bizen black rectangular dish.

Bizen ware

Bizen ware is a type of high-fired unglazed (yakishime) stoneware made near Bizen in Okayama prefecture. The local clay, called hiyose, resists the application of glaze, so vessels are fired uncoated at high temperatures for long durations. The resulting pottery is well vitrified and features earthen tones and natural ash effects. Ceramists can induce a rich variety of expressions by arranging pieces within the kiln and influencing how they interact with the charcoal and ash. Every piece of Bizen ware is unique.