沖縄の焼き物 ＜壺屋と読谷村＞

planet

One of the common styles of kiln that was used was the nobori-gama, a multi-chambered kiln situated on elevated grounds, allowing better firing efficiency. In recent times, however, the several noborigama-kilns that were gathered to Tsuboya have been under criticism for causing pollution in the central area and were forced to close. Yet, uncompromising potters who were fixated on using such kilns relocated to a place called Yomitan. Such movement has made a name for Yomitan-son as it became known as Yachimun no Sato or the hometown of Okinawan pottery.

<photo of Yachimun-dori>

Remnants of the kilns can be seen today in Tsuboya（壺屋）, alongside

Yachimun-dori. 

We went to a café, called Feine (南窯)and found one in the backyard.

<photo of 南窯＞

沖縄の焼き物 ＜やちむん＞

planet

One of the things I immediately fell in love with was Okinawan pottery, known as YACHIMUN (meaning pottery in the Okinawan dialect). Yachimun carries with it the history, culture, philosophy, the spirit of Okinawa itself and the lives of the people as much as it does for pottery. Yachimun is a down to earth type pottery suggesting everyday use, projecting a warm, wholesome, and friendly image just like the people of Okinawa. It perseveres harsh treatment, is durable, long lasting, and can be handed down from generation to generation.

According to archives, the use of kilns in Okinawa started in the 15^th to 16^thcentury. Pottery in its infant stage owed much of its influence from Southeast Asia, Korea, and China, and developed over time as it applied different techniques. The roots of the present Okinawa pottery could be traced back to 1682 when the Ryukyu Dynasty consolidated the kilns to Tsuboya (壺屋).

<photo of noborigama in Ryukyu-mura>

to be continued...

sources: http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/008/

沖縄語 ～文化編～

planet

*All spelled phonetically based on writer's discretion. Translation may lack accuracy.

Haisai: Heya! (used by men)

Haitai: Heya! (used by woment)

Men-soh-lei: Welcome

Chibari-yoh: Good luck, Go for it

Chu: Person. Person from Okinawa is Uchi-nahn-chu, Ooh-minchu (海人） means person of the sea. .

Shiisa: Seemingly a cross between a lion and a dog. Normally in pairs, they are guardian ornaments placed in front of houses or on rooftops to ward off evil. One has its mouth opened, while the others' is closed.

Ishi-gan-ｔoh（doh)(石敢當) : Stone marker engraved, '石敢當' (ishi-gan-toh). It is said that evil spirits or creatures (maji-mun) can only advance straight and enter into houses as they bounce off walls at a junction of a forked street. The stone marker is placed at such junctions for the evil spirits are believed to shatter upon contact.

Maji-mun: Evil creature.

Ya-chi-mun: Pottery

.Ara-yachi(荒焼): Mostly unglazed pottery. Often the works are large in size for purposes to preserve water, sake, or food.

Jyo-yachi(上焼): Glazed pottery.

Kara-kara: Spouted pot for pouring awamori-sake. Kara means lend


Min-sah ori: Minsah-woven fabric used for half length obi of a kimono. Because its pattern and style of weaving implies `eternal happiness` the fabric represents inflow of good luck.

Bin-gata(紅型): Distinctive traditional dye. 　

Ace-ah: Traditional dance performed during the obon period.
Sanshin(三線）: Okinawan three stringed instrument.