What is the appeal of Mino ware?
First and foremost, it's the clay. The Tono area is rich in the raw materials for clay that can be proudly produced around the world. It is because of this concentration of excellent clay that a wide variety of ceramics can be produced. There are many Living National Treasures and artists here, as well as many manufacturers that produce products. From clay pots and stoneware, to everyday items and high-end porcelain... Here, the idea of "designing clay" is naturally alive and well. There are few other production areas like this, either in Japan or the world.
What kind of soil is "good soil"?
First of all, it's easy to mold. It has high plasticity and viscosity, allowing you to create any shape you want. Tono has a wide variety of raw materials, so blending techniques can be used to create clay that suits the purpose and the maker. This makes it easy to express individuality, and the pottery can be tailored to the user. I feel that this is the strength of Mino ware.
Is it thanks to this clay that &CAT's pottery has such a sharp finish?
Yes. Because the porcelain clay has excellent moldability, it's easy to reproduce sharp designs. In other production areas, the characteristics of the clay tend to show up in the design, and the pottery can end up looking similar, but in Mino, a truly diverse range of shapes can be made. It almost feels like all the pottery in the country could be made here. I feel that it's a unique production area.
Could you also tell us about the history of Maruasa Pottery?
My great-grandfather, Asaichi, founded the company in 1916. When we first started, we produced Western-style tableware for export, exporting porcelain products to North America, Australia, the Middle East, and other countries. Later, due to currency fluctuations and other factors, we shifted to the domestic market, but times were tough as an increasing number of imported products from China increased. Even before I became president, we gradually began building a system that could handle diversity, and we have shifted our focus to small-lot, high-mix production.
What is the difference between pottery and porcelain?
Roughly speaking, pottery has a high clay content, while porcelain has a high mineral content. However, the strict definition is vague. Some porcelain is not durable, while others are strong enough for commercial use. Sometimes it is judged by numbers, but generally, porcelain absorbs less water and is less likely to break. Maruasa has been making porcelain since its founding.
What were the challenges in creating the &CAT products?
It's "sharpness," after all. The drawings of many designers who aim to create "something that doesn't exist in the world" often contain sharp designs. However, corners have a high risk of cracking or chipping, so they are usually rounded. &CAT deliberately chose a "sharp design." To be honest, at first I sighed in disbelief at how difficult it would be, but touched by the president's enthusiasm, I wanted to somehow make it a reality.
Isn't it difficult to create a matte glaze?
Yes, matte glazes tend to be uneven and drip easily. &CAT's vessels are tall and have unique shapes, so applying the glaze requires a great deal of care. We even made a special jig. We are still making improvements to prevent the glaze from dripping and to create a beautiful matte texture.
Please also tell us your thoughts on the new "TAJIMI Series."
"I want you to feel the pure texture of the material" is the sole purpose of this series. The glaze is minimized to allow the texture and feel of the clay itself to shine through. Even so, the pieces are fired thoroughly to create porcelain, ensuring they are strong enough to be dishwasher and microwave safe. However, due to the design, &CAT's pieces have very sharp corners, so please handle them with care. The color of the clay may change depending on the firing, but this is also part of the unique character of pottery. Even so, these pieces offer the joy of nurturing them. The more you use them, the more their appearance changes, developing a luster just like an old mud ball. We hope you will enjoy using these pieces for a long time as "tableware that you can grow."
