San-On Gama

Historical Background

This workshop has existed since 1983, meaning it is over 40 years old! The ceramic design was inspired by Hideki Sato. The workshop takes pride in the entire process, from digging up the clay to creating the final glaze using local plant ash. Mixing different plant ash with different colored clay creates a variety of glaze colors and textures. The workshop creates numerous everyday items such as tea sets, sake vessels, bowls, and plates using the Nobori-gama technique. This is where 3 kilns are joined together. Kilns used here are able to bake as many as 1000 items, varying in size, at a time. The whole process is long. The pottery is baked for 1 week!

Characteristics

Glaze is made from plant ash- namely straw and zelkova. The colour of the eventual glaze is determined by color of soil and clay mixing with plant ash. Soft color and appearance intended to blend in with the landscape and environment which the pottery would be mostly housed. The design of the pottery results in a comfortable feeling in the hand. Local materials are used throughout the entire process of clay and glaze creation: from excavating the clay to refining and blending plants such as shells and pellets. Heavily influenced by weather- enough rain through winter is required to soften the clay to be excavated from the land, and then heat is required to dry out the clay naturally. The use of local materials and weather creates a very localized product. This pottery creates a unique experience between the craftsperson and the owner of each item.

To know more!

東北 工藝の旅 から 三温窯 素朴で健やかな器 - JOURNAL - THE STABLES [From Tohoku Crafts Journey to San-on Kilns: simple and healthy vessels] (Japanese only)

• The products of San-on gama are simple, and the users will never get tired of it.

オンライン窯元訪問 三温窯（秋田県）｜廻り道 峯山 まりな [Online visit to the San-on Kiln (Akita Prefecture)｜Mawarimichi by Marina Mineyama] (Japanese only)

• The owner aims to create pottery that is easy to use, and puts importance on the texture and feel of the tableware when held in the hand.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3ongama/?hl=ja

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanongama 

Current activities

Mr. Sato exhibited his works in various places in Japan. Recently, he displayed his pottery products in Toyama prefecture and Saitama prefecture. 

• The latest activity is available on Facebook.