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Category: Mino ware

Mino Ware for Bread? Yes, It Works Beautifully!

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You might think, “Aren’t Japanese tableware just for Japanese food?”

I used to think the same.

But ever since I started using Mino ware in my daily life, I’ve realized how beautifully it fits with bread, salad, and even desserts.

For example, at breakfast:

Freshly baked bread on a textured black plate, a crisp salad in a deep beige bowl.

Just that can bring a sense of elegance to the table.

Even pairing with glass cups or Western cutlery works surprisingly well.

At teatime, I love placing a small cake or madeleine on a soft white or earthy-toned plate.

Add a touch of mint or a berry sauce—and the colors pop, making the dish even more delightful.

Japanese tableware is all about celebrating space and simplicity.

By not overcrowding the plate, the food becomes the star—and a sense of calm is created.

And many of these versatile dishes are made right here in Mino, where artisans craft pieces that complement both Japanese and Western styles.

From the joy of choosing to the pleasure of using—Mino ware brings a quiet kind of magic to everyday life.

Why not try serving your favorite bread or sweets on a piece of Mino ware?

  • Black plates with bread and cake→ Deep colors make salads and baked goods stand out. Adds a crisp, modern edge to the table.
  • Beige dish with country bread sandwich→ A soft, natural tone that pairs well with any ingredients. Perfect for a calm breakfast or brunch.
  • White plate with glass dessert→ Clean, clear, and fresh. Great for light appetizers or delicate sweets like jelly or mousse.
  • Japanese sweets with cast iron teapot→ Soft wagashi on a matte black plate, paired with warm tea. A moment of quiet, traditional comfort.

    • Why not enjoy your favorite bread with a favorite piece of pottery?


    Prefer to read in Japanese?

    → 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。

    The Making of Mino Ware: From Clay to Everyday Use

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    Hi, this is Eri.

    In my last blog post, I shared a bit about the origin of Mino ware and how it all begins with the clay.

    This time, I’d like to continue that story by introducing how that soft clay is shaped into something we can actually use—a finished bowl, plate, or cup.

    Pottery starts with kneading the clay.

    Water is added, the air is removed, and the clay is smoothed out by hand until it has a soft, pliable texture. At this stage, the clay is still very tender and unpredictable—almost like a living thing.

    Then, using a potter’s wheel or a mold, the clay is shaped into form.

    This part of the process is called “forming.” If you watch closely, you’ll see how the clay seems to gently follow the potter’s hands, gradually transforming into a vessel.

    But even after the shape is made, you can’t just pop it into the kiln.

    It needs to dry slowly in a well-ventilated space. Once the moisture has evaporated, it goes through a first firing called “bisque firing.”

    Only after that does it start to resemble something closer to tableware.

    Next, the piece is coated in a liquid glaze.

    This glaze—sometimes milky, sometimes glossy—is applied carefully over the surface. At this point, the piece still looks dull and its final look is hard to imagine.

    Then comes the “main firing,” or hon-yaki.

    At over 1,200°C, the clay hardens, and the glaze reveals its color and texture.

    For pottery like Mino ware, this is when it becomes truly strong and beautiful—ready to be used, held, and cherished.

    From a simple piece of clay, shaped and refined again and again by the hands of a craftsman, the vessel finally reaches the table.

    And from there, it finds its way into someone’s life.

    When I think of that journey, I realize a bowl is more than just an object.

    Oh! One more thing—if you ever visit Toki City in Gifu, there’s a place called Donburi Kaikan where you can try making your own pottery on a wheel. When friends come from Tokyo or overseas, they always ask to go, and I’ve taken part a few times too.

    It’s such a fun experience—watching that spinning clay take shape under your fingers is oddly addictive. I totally recommend it!

    Prefer to read in Japanese?

    → 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。

    It All Begins with the Clay

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    Hi, this is Eri.

    When we think of pottery, we often picture the shape, the glaze, or the final beauty of the piece.

    But today, I’d like to talk about something more fundamental—the clay.

    Mino ware, the traditional ceramic ware of Gifu Prefecture, has a history of over 1,300 years.

    And one of the biggest reasons it flourished here is the natural gift of high-quality clay found in the region.

    In particular, the Gotomaki area of Toki City has long been known for producing exceptionally fine clay.

    This clay is highly plastic, which means it’s easy to shape by hand.

    It also stays stable during firing and produces strong, durable pieces.

    On top of that, it pairs beautifully with glazes—making it ideal for ceramic tableware.

    Even today, many Mino ware studios still use clay from Gotomaki.

    So when we look at a finished piece of Mino ware, we’re really seeing the power of the land itself, shaped by human hands.

    Surrounded by mountains and forests, generations of people in this region have dug, formed, and fired clay with care.

    This deep connection between nature and craftsmanship is at the heart of every piece.

    Mino ware continues to evolve with the times, but its story always begins with the clay.

    Not just design.

    Not just tradition.

    It’s the quiet strength of the earth—and the people who shape it—that makes Mino ware so special.


    Prefer to read in Japanese?

    → 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。

    What Is Mino Ware? A Gentle Introduction from Everyday Moments

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    Hi, this is Eri.

    I’ve always loved looking at tableware and kitchen goods.
    When I go to cafés or restaurants, I often find myself noticing the plates before the food.
    Wondering “Where was this dish made?” has always been part of the joy of eating for me.

    In this blog, I’d like to share the charm of Mino ware—through the eyes of someone who simply enjoys beautiful ceramics in daily life.

    And for the first post, let’s start with a simple question:
    What exactly is Mino ware?

    Have you ever been dining in Japan and thought, “This plate is lovely”?
    Maybe it had a slightly rough texture, a soft earthy tone, or just a quiet warmth in its feel.
    It might have been Mino ware.

    Mino ware refers to pottery made in Toki, Tajimi, Mizunami, and nearby cities in Gifu Prefecture.
    It has a history of more than 1,300 years and is still widely used in everyday life across Japan.
    In fact, over 70% of all ceramic tableware used in Japan is produced in this region.

    That means Mino ware isn’t just found on tables in Tokyo or Kyoto—it’s also used in restaurants overseas, in homes, hotels, and Japanese dining establishments around the world.

    The dishes we use every day might carry a history that spans generations.

    The roots of Mino ware go back to the 7th century.
    Over time, it gave rise to iconic styles such as Shino, Oribe, and Setoguro, which are still appreciated in the world of tea ceremony today.

    But Mino ware hasn’t stayed locked in tradition.
    It has continued to evolve—combining the techniques of skilled artisans with modern sensibilities to suit today’s lifestyle.
    That diversity is part of what makes Mino ware so appealing.

    So, why has Mino ware been loved for so long and by so many?

    I think it’s because of its natural balance between beauty and practicality.

    Fired at high temperatures, Mino ware is strong and durable.
    Many pieces are microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making them easy to use both at home and in professional settings.

    The designs range from rustic and warm to simple and sophisticated—
    so there’s a good chance you’ll find something that just feels right to you.

    All glazes used in Mino ware are safe and of high quality.
    Many products also meet international food safety standards, so you can use them with confidence.
    And for restaurants or retailers, it’s even possible to create custom colors or add logos.

    Today, Mino ware is already being used in many places around the world.
    You might find it in a boutique in Europe, a sushi bar in Los Angeles, or even a spot in your own neighborhood.

    Even if people don’t know its name, many are drawn to its gentle texture and ease of use.
    In that way, Mino ware has quietly become part of everyday life in many corners of the world.

    Maybe Mino ware is more than just tableware.

    It can enhance the taste of a dish, or make shared meals feel a little more special.
    It doesn’t demand attention—but it’s always there, quietly supporting the moment.

    And maybe that’s exactly why it continues to be loved, year after year.

     

    Prefer to read in Japanese?
    → 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。