Koishiwara

Koishiwara district in Toho Village, Asakura District, located at the eastern end of central Fukuoka Prefecture. At an altitude of about 200 to 500 m, the quiet mountainous area with giant cedar trees planted by mountain ascetics has been known as a pottery town for about 350 years, with "red clay" taken from the surrounding mountains, which is the raw material for clay bowls. It is also said that the origin came in 1682, when the third feudal lord of the Fukuoka domain started making pottery learning from Imari city, where porcelain production was flourishing.

Koishiwara ware is a bowl for everyday use. Adding touch ups to the dark clay, using the cutting edge of a plane like the "Tobigan'na" technique to make small shavings and the "Hake-me" technique to put a pattern on clay with a brush while turning the potter's wheel.
The feature of "Koishiwara ware" is the "sinking" technique, in which the glaze is hung from a certain height on the surface while turning the potter's wheel and at this stage, directly glaze without baking the clay which is a quite unique technique.

Although it has a simple taste, it is hard and durable because it is firmly made. Bernard Leach and Soetsu Yanagi, who had a great influence on the Japanese ceramic art world, praised Koishiwara ware as "the ultimate beauty in utilitarian objects made by the common people.

Currently, there are about 40 kilns, and in May and October every year, a pottery festival is held to coincide with the opening of the kiln.