Produced in the historic Mino province, present-day Gifu prefecture, Mino-yaki has a long ceramic history dating back to the 11th century, and since the 19th century has specialised in porcelain for everyday crockery. Mino ceramic production developed in correlation with that of Seto, in neighbouring Aichi prefecture, where one of the legendary Six Ancient Kilns of Japan was located. A variety of styles and glazing techniques were produced in Mino following the Japanese tea ceremony, or Chanoyu, boom in the Momoyama period (1573–1615), including yellow Kiseto, black Setoguro and Tenmoku glazes, as well as Shino and Oribe wares.
Shino-yaki 志野焼
Admired for their organic, natural beauty, Shino wares, or Shino-yaki, are characterised by thick white glazes, often textured with crackles or small holes, and red scorch marks. Shino glazes are primarily composed of feldspar and traditionally undergo a long firing and cooling process in a reduction atmosphere.
