Tokoname ware is made in the Tokoname region of Aichi Prefecture on the main island of Honshu. It originally began as unglazed, high-fired stoneware ranging in color from brown to buff. Parts of it were also covered in natural, fly-ash glaze. In contrast, modern ware is widely expansive in appearance, shape, and style. Tokoname ware is produced in one of Japan’s six ancient kiln sites, including Seto, Echizen, Tanba, Bizen, and Shigaraki.

Tokoname ware is from the city of Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture. Over one thousand kilns have been excavated in the Tokoname production area in the Chita part of Aichi. Bordering Ise Bay, this location allowed the ware to be widely distributed by boat. 

Along with the Seto region, Tokoname is one of the largest production areas in Japan. Production started in the twelfth century with a variety of pieces. Largemouth jars and bowls were some of the earliest wares. Items such as tea bowls and funerary jars were produced in bulk during the Middle Ages. 

Technical aspects of Tokoname ware have changed to keep up with the development of kiln designs and firing temperatures. Ancient kilns couldn't attain full stoneware temperatures (1200°C - 1300°C), so pieces were reddish. The early Edo period (1603 – 1868) underwent advancements in kiln technology with the introduction of noborigama, or "climbing kilns." These kilns featured a higher firing temperature so wares could reach accurate stoneware temperatures. The difference in firing temperature is a significant classification method in judging age. Along with the ability to achieve stoneware temperatures, the work expanded to white unglazed ceramics, redware, and red raku throughout the greater Tokoname area.

During the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), there was also a boom in manufacturing Chinese-influenced purple clay teapots. Chinese potters were invited to Japan, which helped further the development of kilns. 

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Tokoname ceramics are diverse in both styles and glazes. The earliest work was earthenware that was reddish in color. Methods and pieces became more varied in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Tokoname ware from the nineteenth century onwards is as widely diverse as any production center in Japan, and it is difficult to distinguish from ceramics produced in Seto, Shigaraki.

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Identify your Tokoname Ware Marks.

Books and Periodicals

Kadogawa Nippon Touki Daijiten by Yatori Yoshiaki.

Chawan Kamabetsu Meikan by Kuroda Kazuya.

Web Resources

Six Ancient Kilns http://www.japan.travel.

Tokoname: Japan’s Best and Largest Old-School Ceramic Center http://yabai.com.

Tokoname Ware http://yakimono.or.jp/en.