"Japanese Version of Stained Glass?! Astonishing Techniques of 'Hotarude' That Makes Vessels Shine with Light"

Do You Know "Hotarude"?

Are you familiar with the pottery technique called "Hotarude"?

Even those who are not knowledgeable about tableware might have seen it. This refers to the technique of creating small openwork patterns in bowls.

By applying a transparent glaze to the carved vessels and firing them, the carved areas become bright and translucent when light is shone on them.

This translucent light is likened to the glow of fireflies, giving rise to the name "Hotarude."

Hotarude vessels are commonly associated with traditional Japanese tableware such as tea bowls and sake cups (which might feel a bit outdated)...

Recently, many new and beautiful Hotarude works have been created that we would love to use on our dining tables and admire.

The technique of openwork carving, which dates back more than ten thousand years to the Jomon period, has developed into Hotarude and is now being crafted into contemporary vessels by new, talented artists in the Reiwa era...

When you think about it that way, it feels grand and romantic.

In this article, we will introduce irresistible Hotarude vessels, ways to incorporate them into daily life, and noteworthy pottery artists.

Extremely Beautiful Hotarude Vessels

The Hotarude technique has been commonly used in traditional Japanese tableware such as sake cups and tea bowls.

Many from our generation may not have the habit of using traditional Japanese dishware regularly.

However, the currently popular Hotarude vessels go beyond traditional tableware.

Here’s a cup and saucer that makes you want to brew not only Japanese tea but also black tea.

It has a beauty that almost looks like it’s edged with lace.

A bowl adorned with small dots, reminiscent of snowflakes or raindrops...

It looks very functional, and it’s exciting to think about what to serve in it.

A Hotarude vessel with a lid. It would also be useful as a storage container.

The lid can also be used as a small plate.

An elegantly translucent pouring vessel and guinomi (sake cup).

The gradient of blue and green glaze is very refreshing.

This special Hotarude sake vessel would also make a great gift for Father's Day or Respect for the Aged Day.

These Hotarude vessels look like works of art. They’re so beautiful that some might worry they would stand out on their dining table.

How do those who use them in everyday life incorporate them?

Incorporating Hotarude Vessels into Daily Dining

Here's a wonderfully refreshing lunch featuring sudachi somen served in a large Hotarude bowl.

The slightly translucent Hotarude vessel has a freshness distinct from glass dishware.

Fruits and shiratama (rice dumplings) served in Hotarude ware. The colorful fruits and jelly look adorable.

A Hotarude cake plate decorated with dot patterns.

With a simple design, it seems like it would beautifully complement any dessert.

Brewing green tea in a Hotarude tea bowl for snack time.

The gentle texture of the porcelain gives off a soothing feeling.

Pottery Artists Crafting Hotarude Vessels

If you are fascinated by Hotarude vessels, here are some prominent pottery artists you should know about.

Takatoshi Ito creates delicate Hotarude vessels that seem to capture lace in their designs.

Mika Noguchi.

She produces colorful and beautiful Hotarude vessels that look like stained glass.

Hirofumi Oi has crafted many Hotarude vessels that blend into daily life.

He has made tea bowls, flat plates, and bowls that you might want to collect as a series.

I Want to Get Hotarude Vessels♡

Hotarude, a pottery technique that has been around for a long time.

I was truly moved to discover that such wonderful vessels were being created one after another.

When choosing dishware as a gift or looking for that special piece.

Why not consider selecting a Hotarude vessel?