Bizen-yaki
Bizen ware, is a traditional Japanese pottery from Bizen Province, now part of Okayama Prefecture. Dating back to at least the 6th century, it is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns. A hallmark of Bizen ware is its unglazed, rustic appearance, achieved through high-temperature wood-fired kilns that bring out the natural colors and textures of the local clay. This process results in unique patterns such as "goma" (sesame seed), "sangiri" (gray and blue shading), and "hidasuki" (red flame-like marks from rice straw wrapping). Renowned for its durability and simple aesthetic, Bizen-yaki embodies the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, appreciating beauty in imperfection and transience.