[Tochigi/Mashiko] A Mashiko-yaki mug nurtured by a town of folk crafts, perfect for daily use
When you hold it, the weight feels just right. The unevenness of the bluish glaze changes its expression depending on how the light hits it. The rim flares out gently, accommodating both coffee and green tea. This is a Mashiko-yaki mug made by Tsukamoto, a pottery studio in Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture. It is hard to believe the price is ¥2,090; every time you pick it up, you get the feeling that you are using something truly good.
The background of this craft
The history of Mashiko-yaki dates back to the Kaei era (1850s) at the end of the Edo period. It began when Keizaburo Otsuka, who learned pottery in Kasama, opened a kiln in Mashiko, and it initially developed as a production area for mass-producing daily-use pottery such as water jars and earthenware teapots. The turning point came between the Taisho and early Showa periods. Soetsu Yanagi, known as a leader of the Mingei (folk craft) movement, visited Mashiko and discovered the "beauty of utility" in the simple pottery of this region, which suddenly brought it into the spotlight.
Furthermore, the fact that the Living National Treasure potter Shoji Hamada settled in Mashiko and continued to create pottery there for the rest of his life made Mashiko known both domestically and internationally as a "sacred place for folk crafts." Today, it has become a major production area with about 250 kilns and shops, and the "Mashiko Pottery Market," held every spring and autumn, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Artisan techniques and dedication
The item introduced here is a mug belonging to the "Traditional Glaze Series" from Tsukamoto Kiln (Tsukamoto Seito). Tsukamoto is known as the largest kiln in Mashiko and focuses on the research and inheritance of traditional glazes. This "Mashiko Celadon Glaze (PM-3)" is characterized by a unique bluish glaze tone born from the combination of Mashiko soil and glaze, and even when using the same glaze, the shade changes subtly with each firing.
Mashiko-yaki is generally described as having a "rough soil texture," but the finish of this series is slightly different. The surface has fine crack patterns in the glaze called "kannyu," which gain more character the more you use it. Because each piece is glazed and fired by hand, there are individual differences in color depth and gradation. The fact that the cup you receive is a one-of-a-kind item is a charm typical of handmade crafts.
Reasons for choosing this product
I chose the Tsukamoto Kiln Mashiko Celadon Glaze Mug (PM-3, Blue, 260ml) because the balance of price, quality, and ease of daily use was outstanding. The price is ¥2,090 (tax included). For glazed pottery made in a nationally designated traditional craft production area, it falls into a very accessible price range. The Amazon rating is 4.0 stars (34 reviews), with multiple comments such as "the rim is thin and elegant," "it feels good to the touch," and "I gave it as a gift." The 260ml capacity is a standard size for a coffee cup, and while you should check the product page for microwave and dishwasher compatibility, it is designed as a mug for everyday use. It is a genuine product sold and shipped by Amazon.co.jp, and I confirmed there were 6 left in stock (with more on the way).
Situations where I want to use it
When I pour my morning coffee, just choosing this mug changes my mood a little. The bluish glaze unique to Mashiko-yaki goes well with white frothed milk, and the contrast of colors when pouring a cafe latte is beautiful. It also goes well with Japanese tea. Although it is not a rough earthenware vessel, its moderate thickness and weight give a sense of heat retention. The price of ¥2,090 makes it easy to buy as a small reward for yourself or as a casual gift for friends and family. It is an item I would like those who think, "I want a traditional craft, but nothing too expensive..." to pick up first.
If you are interested in the traditional glazes of Mashiko-yaki, you can view them below.
▶ See Tsukamoto Mashiko-yaki Mug (Mashiko Celadon Glaze) on Amazon
Summary
Mashiko-yaki is a regional craft from Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, where the spirit of the folk craft movement and over 400 artisans and kilns still thrive today. The Tsukamoto Kiln Mashiko Celadon Glaze Mug is a perfectly realized vessel for daily use that can be obtained for ¥2,090 while remaining rooted in that tradition. Every time you pour coffee each morning, the soil of Mashiko and the handiwork of the artisans will gently accompany your life.
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