Akahada Ware

The Akahada motogama kilns are located in Akahada-cho in the city of Nara, at the base of the mountains on the western side of the Nara basin. Standing at the rear face of Mt. Akahada (also known as Mt. Gojō), the Great Buddha Hall of Tōdaiji is visible in the far distance, while the temple of Yakushiji can be seen in the foreground. Many legends exist about the beginnings of Akahada ware; what is certain is that it had strong connections to Kyoto ware (Kyō-yaki) by at least the end of the Edo period (1615–1868). At that time, three kiln complexes had been established in this area under the patronage of the Yamato Kōriyama domain, which governed this region. Only one kiln complex survived the Meiji period: the oldest of the three, called the “central kilns” (motogama). Today, these are known as the Mt. Akahada kilns (in Japanese, Akahada yama motogama).

Clay for the Mt. Akahada kilns is taken from the rear of the mountain and other surrounding areas, then is processed and used to make ceramics. Since ancient times this region has been a prime site for unearthing high-quality clay. Excavation surveys conducted nearby have revealed Kofun period (circa 3rd–7th century) kilns which were used to produce haniwa (earthenware tomb sculptures).

Kilns that utilize locally-sourced materials have become increasingly rare, which makes the role of this kiln all the more valuable in passing on traditional production methods.

The large climbing kiln, which measures 17.5 meters in length and 5.4 meters in width, has eight chambers and a 2-meter high ceiling. The ways in which the bricks are laid and in which sections of the wall have melted indicate that it has been repaired several times.

The second floor ceiling has truss structure, an architectural feature introduced to Japan in the modern era. Along with the large climbing kiln, this building has been designated as a Registered Cultural Heritage of Japan.

An old hand-turned wheel was converted into the table now used in the shop. Having fulfilled its original purpose, it now carries on the traditions of Akahada ware in a new form.

Okuda Mokuhaku (1800–1871), known as the reviver of the Akahada ware tradition, was active at this kiln from the late Edo through the early Meiji periods, in the mid to late 19th century. The site still houses a variety of tools left from the end of the Edo period, including the ceramic molds that Okuda created. The designs found in these molds are still used in Akahada ceramics today.

Since the large-scale climbing kiln has been used in almost 40 years, it has become damaged over time. In order to revive this kiln as a local historical resource for future generations, work began on August 30, 2015, to dismantle and repair the first three chambers of the kiln. While the kiln was dismantled, in September 2015, the site also went archaeological excavation in order to assess historical changes to the kiln over time. This process revealed that the kiln has been repaired several times in its history.