Hagi Peach Guinomi (In Wooden Box)

Description This beautiful peach coloured guinomi is Hagi ware (萩焼, Hagi-yaki), a type ofJapanese Pottery traditionally originated from the town of Hagi, Yamaguchi prefecture. The origins of Hagi ware can be traced back to the arrival of Korean potters to Hagi on the Japan Sea, following Japan’s military invasion of Korean peninsula in the late 16th century.  As a result, a large number of Korean craftsmen were abducted and transported to Japan, where they played a crucial role in establishing new pottery types such as Satsuma, Arita and Hagi ware (“hagi yaki”) The subtle form and natural, subdued colors of Hagi ware are highly regarded. Two types of fine-grained soft clay are used as the base material. The earth is first mixed with water, then strained. During the process, wood chips are often added, causing the less dense parts to rise while the heavier parts sink to the bottom. This preparation process is repeated for two weeks until the water is entirely filtered without any residues, and the pure, fine clay is obtained from the bottom of the vat. The reddish to orange color of the clay is important as it will determine the texture and color of the Hagi surface. The beauty of Hagi ware is appreciated not only for its earthy colors but also for its beautiful glaze. The translucent beige glaze is to draw out the natural, deep colors of the clay. After being fired in the kiln, the glaze creates its signature fine web of cracks and fine pores -called crazing while cooling. Throughout the firing and cooling process, the cracks form because the glaze shrinks faster than the clay. Over time, a Hagi ware user might notice the color of the glaze getting darker. This is natural as the slightly porous surface absorbs the tea residues or sake through its tiny crackles, maturing over time. Hagi Peach Guinomi is so gentle and soft to touch, very smooth yet warm, with peachy pink colour to charm you.