Mino-Ware Temporary Retail Venue Opens for Business
In the heart of Gifu Prefecture, the historic town of Mino is renowned for its centuries-old pottery tradition, Mino-yaki. The region, known as the Ceramic Valley, has been a significant producer of high-quality tableware, including the popular ramen bowls.
The Craftsmanship of the Ceramic Valley, an insightful article, delves into the history, evolution, and contemporary artisans of this vibrant pottery scene. One such producer is Yamasan-Miyake, a reputable name in the industry, having been in business for over 20 years.
Yamasan-Miyake specialises in donburi bowls, believing in the vessel's role in enhancing the overall dining experience. Their product range includes the Akadami-Karakusa Donburi Bowl, adorned with a traditional hand-painted arabesque design, and the Oribe-Kakiwake Nagomi Donburi Bowl, available in both green and black versions, priced at $53.
The donburi bowls are crafted by skilled artisans from Mino who balance tradition and modernity in their work. For example, the Hai-Yu Sogi Donburi Bowl, priced at $60, boasts a beige and green glaze and a unique starburst base design, while the Yaki-Shime Sogi Donburi Bowl, also priced at $60, showcases a metallic black glaze and a modern design.
The Oribe Sogi Donburi Bowl, another offering from Yamasan-Miyake, is priced at $60 and features a diagonal sliced design and Oribe's signature green glaze. The Akadami-Karakusa Donburi Bowl (Shallow Wide), suitable for cold noodles, salads, or curry dishes, is priced at $93.
Los Angeles is currently hosting a pop-up shop featuring hand-crafted ceramic bowls from Mino, Japan, in collaboration with TOIRO, a Los Angeles-based Japanese kitchen and tableware store. The pop-up shop offers a special curated selection of stylish ceramic donburi bowls, including the Hai-Yu Nagomi Donburi Bowl, priced at $48, and Fudoh-Gama's offerings from Toki.
In addition to the pop-up shop, a related culinary program called "Ramen Discoveries" is also being held, highlighting the importance of ramen bowls in elevating noodles to an art form, with a focus on Mino-ware from Mino, Japan.
It's essential to note that these hand-crafted bowls require careful handling. They should be hand-washed, avoided from direct heat sources, and dried completely before storing. Rapid temperature changes or freezing could cause cracking.
The exhibition "The Art of the Ramen Bowl" is currently running, showcasing the significance of ramen bowls in Japanese culture and the artistry of Mino-yaki pottery. This exhibition underscores the rich history, cultural heritage, and versatility of Mino-yaki, making it an ideal choice for both traditional and modern dining experiences.
References:
[1] Mino-yaki (美濃焼) - Japan's Oldest Pottery Tradition. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2063.html
[2] Mino-yaki. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mino-yaki
[3] The Craftsmanship of the Ceramic Valley. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2021/02/24/films/craftsmanship-ceramic-valley-mino/
[4] Mino-yaki: A Japanese Pottery Tradition. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.japanese-ceramics.com/mino-yaki.html
- The Ceramic Valley in Mino, Gifu Prefecture, is a historical town renowned for its Mino-yaki pottery tradition, which has been producing high-quality tableware for centuries, including the popular ramen bowls.
- One such producer is Yamasan-Miyake, a reputable name in the industry, specializing in donburi bowls, believing in their role in enhancing the dining experience.
- Yamasan-Miyake's product range includes the Akadami-Karakusa Donburi Bowl, adorned with a traditional hand-painted arabesque design, and the Oribe-Kakiwake Nagomi Donburi Bowl, available in both green and black versions, priced at $53.
- The Hai-Yu Sogi Donburi Bowl, priced at $60, and the Yaki-Shime Sogi Donburi Bowl, also priced at $60, are examples of pieces crafted by skilled artisans from Mino who balance tradition and modernity in their work.
- Los Angeles is currently hosting a pop-up shop featuring hand-crafted ceramic bowls from Mino, Japan, in collaboration with TOIRO, offering a curated selection of stylish ceramic donburi bowls.
- The "The Art of the Ramen Bowl" exhibition is currently running, showcasing the significance of ramen bowls in Japanese culture and the artistry of Mino-yaki pottery, underscoring the rich history, cultural heritage, and versatility of Mino-yaki, making it an ideal choice for both traditional and modern dining experiences.
