USUKIYAKI, 200 years of tradition
Step back to around 1802, during Japan’s Edo period, and immerse yourself in the enchanting story of Usukiyaki. This timeless tradition traces its origins to the Usuki domain kiln, where skilled craftsmen from Nagasaki, Fukuoka, and Miyazaki created exquisite pottery like Suehiroyaki and Sarayamayaki. After lying dormant for centuries, this legacy was revived in 2015 by Hiroyuki Usami and potter Washio Yashijiri of the Usukiyaki Research Institute, who reimagined the art form for a modern audience.
Through meticulous research into historical records, they unearthed porcelain treasures adorned with intricate floral motifs, which inspired the creation of the White Porcelain Floral Series. By introducing mold casting techniques, they breathed new life into Usukiyaki, blending traditional artistry with contemporary innovation. Today, the Usukiyaki Research Institute and Atelier Sarayama house a passionate team dedicated to preserving and evolving this cultural heritage.
Located in Oita Prefecture’s Usuki City—a town shaped by the historic Usuki Castle—this art form thrives alongside a brewing tradition dating back to the 1600s. Recognized by UNESCO in 2021 for its rich food culture, Usuki embraces its natural surroundings, with Usukiyaki’s designs seamlessly complementing culinary traditions. These vibrant, sustainable creations are cherished for their enduring craftsmanship, a testament to the vision and dedication of Hiroyuki Usami and Washio Yashijiri in preserving and advancing this artistic legacy.
PROFILE
HIROYUKI USAMI
Hiroyuki Usami, the head of Usukiyaki Lab, founded to revive Usuki ware, is both a potter and a chef.
His restaurant, USAMI, attracts locals and visitors alike, all drawn by its dishes that highlight local ingredients. The restaurant’s stunning cuisine is served on Usukiyaki tableware.
Born and raised in Usuki, his work is deeply influenced by the region’s natural beauty and its rich culinary sensibility.
MEET
USUKIYAKI LAB
In addition to ceramic professionals, Usukiyaki Lab brings together professionals from various fields who share the vision of Usukiyaki.
Composed of people of various generations, genders, and nationalities, Usukiyaki Lab aims to create tableware that are complete only when they are served with cuisine.
Their ultimate goal is to create simple yet gorgeous tableware that brings joy to the user every time.
LOCATION
USUKI CITY
Usukiyaki is deeply rooted in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, surrounded by the Bungo Channel, scenic mountains, and famous flower spots like cherry blossoms and lotus.
This castle town, with its shrines and temples, has a rich heritage tied to Usuki ware, which began when Inaba, lord of Usuki Castle, brought together artisans from Shimabara, Koishiwara, and Komine.
Unlike traditional ceramics, Usuki ware evolves through an experimental process, shaped by both production and the expanding ways it’s used. It transforms from functional tableware into a deeper artistic experience, reflecting the city’s unique blend of mountains, sea, farming villages, and history.
NATURE & CULTURE
USUKI WARE
A visit to this area will help you understand why Usuki ware was born with the motif of the beauty of natural formations, which is the characteristic feature of Usuki ware.
Usuki City has a diverse food culture, including miso, soy sauce, and sake making, which is blessed by its nutrient-rich geology and clean water. In 2021, Usuki City was certified as a UNESCO Creative Cities Network member.
Mr. Hiroyuki Usami sees the significance of continuing to produce Usukiyaki here, and his artisans, who share his passion, are creating wonderful works of art.
PROCESS
TRADITION & KNOW-HOW
Explore the unique craftsmanship of Usukiyaki, where hand-carved plaster molds shape clay into vessels refined through hand-stamped, thrown, and carved techniques.
Crafted from locally sourced clay, each Usukiyaki vessel, shaped through manual craftsmanship, boasts distinct characteristics. Mold casting (katauchi) is employed, with the technique involving rolling out clay, smoothing with a spatula, and shaping onto hand-carved plaster molds. This preserves a unique handmade texture, resulting in porcelain pieces with an earthenware-like appearance.
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OTHER STORIES
MARBLE · RONCHIS
CERAMIC · OITA