Mumyoi (pronounced moo-myo-ee) ware
is a type of pottery made of Mumyoi Clay, which contains ferrous oxide and
is obtained near the Sado goldmine. The products are baked in a kiln at a
high temperature.
Unlike other clay wares, mumyoi ware requires extra
processing efforts; raw-polish, a process that polishes the products with
cotton cloth before baking, as well as a process of polishing with sand after
baking. The particles of clay must be extremely fine, a quality which can
only be obtained through an energy intensive filtration process using a clay-water
mixture.
The products become dense and contract about 30% from
their original size when baked, making the finished products exceptionally
hard. They produce a clear metallic sound when tapped. The more the mumyoi
ware is used, the more beautiful its shine becomes.
Originally, mumyoi was used for medical purposes
such as relieving symptoms of palsy, digestive problems, burns, and helping
to stop bleeding.
Our workshop is dedicated to the continuous endeavor
of; producing conventional mumyoi ware, developing new glaze formulas by mixing
together natural and non-organic substances such as rock, stones, and the
ashes of plants and trees as well as pursuing the beauty created by yohen.
Also known as a kiln mutation (or kiln effect), Yohen is a
technique of kiln firing to produce varieties of colors using a climbing
kiln (multi-chambered kiln), with each successive chamber at a higher level
than the previous.
Vessels of mumyoi ware have been gaining popularity
since they richly enhance the drinking experience of green tea, coffee, sake,
and beer.
Please
enjoy our mumyoi ware.
Store:122-1 Kubota ,Sawata,Sado,Niigata,952-1325 Japan
Phone:0259-52-3222
Fax:0259-52-3251
Phone:0259-66-2404
Fax:0259-66-2460
URL http://www.gyokudou.com