Jar with wide mouth

Collection NumberA000401
TitleJar with wide mouth
DateFinal Heian period, 12th century
Artist, Kiln, Workshop常滑窯　Tokoname ware
Name of prefectures & citiesAichi prefecture, Japan
Description of works【Differentiating themselves from Sanage, the Tokoname Kilns became prominent producers of kame, capitalizing on their convenient seaside location】
In the first half of the 12th century CE, the techniques developed by the Sanage Kilns were brought to the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, and within 100 years, the Tokoname Kilns on the Peninsula had become among the most prolific ceramic producers in Japan. Initially, the Tokoname Kilns were manufacturers of household ceramics such as bowls — as were the Sanage Kilns — to be shipped to other parts of Aichi Prefecture and neighboring Mie Prefecture.
However, in the latter half of the 12th century CE and afterwards, the kilns in Tokoname branched out into producing kame (wide-mouthed jars), and, capitalizing on their convenient location surrounded by the sea, they were able to distribute kame across Japan. The potters did not shape kame by pounding the body like sue ware, but by pressing a wood plate engraved with parallel lines against the body to reinforce the sections where thick clay coils were joined together.

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