{"title":"Shiraiwa-yaki Waheegama (Toshiaki Watanabe)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis craft was brought to life during the Edo Period when Unshichi Matsumoto, famous for his Oborisoma ware, was invited to Akita as an expert in the transformation of mined materials. Upon discovering the unique and high-quality soil in Shiraiwa, he launched the first Shiraiwa-yaki kiln, which went on to become a flourishing industry with as many as 5000 potters in its heyday. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the craft completely disappeared due to the Akita Semboku Earthquake of 1914, and other various events of the Meiji Period. It remained extinct for 70 years, until Aoi Watanabe's mother, a descendent of Shiraiwayaki potters, revived it as a young university graduate in 1975, an undertaking which was almost unheard of for a female potter at that time. Today there is only one kiln in operation: the Waheegama kiln, run by the Watanabe family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToshiharu Watanabe is a key figure in the revival of Shiraiwa-yaki, having been involved since the Waheegama kiln was first established in 1978 by his wife, Sunao Watanabe. Together, using local materials that would have been used during the Edo Period, they developed contemporary Shiraiwa-yaki’s red-brown doro glaze, as well as its signature namako glaze, which took them 20 years to perfect. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShiraiwa-yaki Waheegama’s traditional, four-chamber climbing kiln was completed by Toshiaki Watanabe in 1993. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWatanabe once shared his expertise at several fine arts departments across the Tohoku region. His distinct style integrates both traditional pottery techniques and elements of contemporary sculpture, with works ranging from classic matcha bowls for tea ceremony, to abstract vases and sculptures influenced by modern art of the 19th and 20th centuries. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA traditional glaze with a speckled texture similar to a sea cucumber.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"namako-glaze-matcha-bowl-a","title":"Namako Glaze Matcha Bowl A","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe simple beauty of this rustic \u003cem\u003echawan \u003c\/em\u003eby Toshiharu Watanabe creates a contemplative cup of matcha that reflects the zen values of Japanese tea ceremony. It can be used daily or for tea ceremony. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43344468443311,"sku":"SW-MB-A","price":157300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1865.jpg?v=1710493111"},{"product_id":"copy-of-namako-glaze-matcha-bowl-a","title":"Namako Glaze Matcha Bowl B","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe simple beauty of this rustic \u003cem\u003echawan \u003c\/em\u003eby Toshiharu Watanabe creates a contemplative cup of matcha that reflects the zen values of Japanese tea ceremony. It can be used daily or for tea ceremony. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43355204452527,"sku":"SW-MB-B","price":143000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1866.jpg?v=1710729164"},{"product_id":"namako-glaze-matcha-bowl-c","title":"Namako Glaze Matcha Bowl C","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe simple beauty of this rustic \u003cem\u003echawan \u003c\/em\u003eby Toshiharu Watanabe creates a contemplative cup of matcha that reflects the zen values of Japanese tea ceremony. It can be used daily or for tea ceremony. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43355241971887,"sku":"SW-MC-C","price":143000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1869.jpg?v=1710729278"},{"product_id":"calligraphy-suiteki-a","title":"Calligraphy Suiteki A","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis suiteki, or water dropper for sumi ink used in Japanese calligraphy, is a unique piece by Toshiharu Watanabe. It is both a practical instrument for wetting inkstone, and a sculpture to display in your home. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43355247476911,"sku":"SW-ST-A","price":57200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1902.jpg?v=1710730588"},{"product_id":"calligraphy-suiteki-b","title":"Calligraphy Suiteki B","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis suiteki, or water dropper for sumi ink used in Japanese calligraphy, is a unique piece by Toshiharu Watanabe. It is both a practical instrument for wetting inkstone, and a sculpture to display in your home. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43355280375983,"sku":"SW-ST-B","price":7900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1903.jpg?v=1710731115"},{"product_id":"namako-glaze-mizusashi-with-chesnut-lid","title":"Namako Glaze Mizusashi with Chesnut Lid","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe multi-dimensional blue of namako glaze is stunning in this unique mizusashi, or water container for tea ceremony, by Toshiharu Watanabe. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43355325333679,"sku":"SW-MS","price":157300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1881.jpg?v=1710732352"},{"product_id":"copy-of-namako-glaze-mizusashi-with-chesnut-lid","title":"Namako Glaze Pitcher (Free Shipping)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe multi-dimensional blue of namako glaze is stunning in this unique pitcher by Toshiharu Watanabe. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e*This item is free shipping.  \u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43355442905263,"sku":"SW-PC","price":236000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1906.jpg?v=1710732714"},{"product_id":"pig-mask-a","title":"Terracotta Pig Mask A (Free Shipping)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis sculpture exemplifies Toshiharu Watanabe's skills as both a potter, and as a contemporary artist. This is the male counterpart to the female, \"Terracotta Pig Mask B.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e*This item is free shipping. \u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43355451359407,"sku":"SW-TP-A","price":314600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1889.jpg?v=1710733742"},{"product_id":"copy-of-terracotta-pig-mask-b","title":"Terracotta Pig Mask B (Free Shipping)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis sculpture exemplifies Toshiharu Watanabe's skills as both a potter, and as a contemporary artist. This is the male counterpart to the male, \"Terracotta Pig Mask A.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e*This item is free shipping. \u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43355488518319,"sku":"SW-TP-B","price":286000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1897.jpg?v=1710733939"},{"product_id":"namako-glaze-vase-for-single-flower","title":"Namako Glaze Vase for Single Flower","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe multi-dimensional blue of namako glaze is even more stunning against the warmth of earthy, doro glaze in this unique vase by Toshiharu Watanabe. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43355503591599,"sku":"SW-V-SF","price":35800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1882.jpg?v=1710734513"},{"product_id":"namako-glaze-vase-gregorian-chant","title":"Namako Glaze Vase \"Gregorian Chant\" (Free Shipping)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis sculptural vase is an excellent example of ToshiharuWatanabe's distinct style which incorporates traditional Shiraiwa-yaki with elements of contemporary sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item is free shipping. \u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43355585183919,"sku":"SW-V-GC","price":314600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1913.jpg?v=1710736951"},{"product_id":"namako-glaze-vase-a4size","title":"Namako Glaze Vase \"A4size\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis sculptural vase is an excellent example of Toshiharu Watanabe's distinct style which incorporates traditional Shiraiwa-yaki with elements of contemporary sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43356009332911,"sku":"SW-V-A4","price":157300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1911.jpg?v=1710737531"},{"product_id":"copy-of-namako-glaze-vase-gregorian-chant","title":"Namako Glaze Vase \"Angel\" (Free Shipping)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis sculptural vase is an excellent example of Toshiharu Watanabe's distinct style which incorporates traditional Shiraiwa-yaki with elements of contemporary sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item is free shipping. \u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43356082176175,"sku":"SW-V-AG","price":236000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1874.jpg?v=1710737765"},{"product_id":"namako-glaze-vase-lamb-of-godａ","title":"Namako Glaze Vase \"Lamb of God\"Ａ (Free Shipping)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis sculptural vase is an excellent example of Toshiharu Watanabe's distinct style which incorporates traditional Shiraiwa-yaki with elements of contemporary sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item is free shipping. \u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43356153184431,"sku":"SW-V-LG-A","price":550600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1918.jpg?v=1710738036"},{"product_id":"namako-glaze-vase-lamb-of-godb","title":"Namako Glaze Vase \"Lamb of God\"B (Free Shipping)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis sculptural vase is an excellent example of Toshiharu Watanabe's distinct style which incorporates traditional Shiraiwa-yaki with elements of contemporary sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item is free shipping. \u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43356226125999,"sku":"SW-V-LG-B","price":550600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1923.jpg?v=1710741494"},{"product_id":"doro-glaze-vase-drum-rhythm","title":"Doro Glaze Vase \"Drum Rhythm\" (Free Shipping)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis sculptural vase is an excellent example of Toshiharu Watanabe's distinct style which incorporates traditional Shiraiwa-yaki with elements of contemporary sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item is free shipping. \u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43356418277551,"sku":"SW-V-DR","price":314600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1896.jpg?v=1710738866"},{"product_id":"namako-glaze-compote-vase","title":"Namako Glaze Compote Vase (Free Shipping)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe multi-dimensional blue of namako glaze is even more stunning against the warmth of earthy, doro glaze in this compote vase by Toshiharu Watanabe. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*This item is free shipping. \u003cbr\u003e*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oshinsha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43356504228015,"sku":"SW-V-CV","price":286000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/0505\/4383\/files\/2023_08_04_1886.jpg?v=1710739164"}],"url":"https:\/\/oshinsha.live\/collections\/shiraiwa-yaki-waheegama-toshiaki-watanabe.oembed","provider":"Oshinsha","version":"1.0","type":"link"}