Fukui Prefectural Museum of Ceramics

Here, you get to watch and learn, actually create and enjoy wonderful Echizen ware, one of the Six Ancient Potteries of Japan. The information center displays a number of ceramics as well as the “Kuemon Kiln” diorama, built based on a kiln hole from Kamakura Period by the leading Echizen ware researcher, Kuemon Mizuno, and his helpers.

Echizen ware is the ceramics belonging to Japan’s six ancient potteries along with Seto, Tamba, Bizen, Tokoname and Shigaraki. The kiln was opened about 800 years ago to make pots and mortars. Although there were times the potters closed business, it came to attention after WWII. Echizen Pottery Village was built which attracted potters from all over Japan. Currently, many new designs with traditions woven into the skills are being created.

The pottery class shows how to hand-shape Echizen clay and paint or how to use the electric pottery wheel. The staff will guide you step by step and anyone can casually try it. You can make a dish, a flower vase. etc. as your imagination will dictate. The adjoining Echizen Pottery Museum serves tea in an actual Echizen ware. Enjoy Echizen ware with your five senses.