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SABUKAZE Foundation

5092, Ushimadochonagahama, Setouchi-shi, Okayama, TEL/FAX:+81-869-34-5680 [email protected] Relation between Sabukaze kilns and the capitals

Issued by Setouchi City Contents Written by KANEDA Akihiro Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

1.Kibi Region’s Famous Large Scale Remains of the Old Kilns 1

2.Distribution of Ware 2

3.History of Bizen-yaki Development 3

Introduction 4.Mokusui’s Big Achievements 4

5.Designated as National Historic Site In Setouchi city and Bizen city located 5 in the , 6.Development of Research 6 western part of Japan, the previous excavations 7.Relation with Capitals uncovered archaeological sites of 130 Sue The Ancient Capitals and the Sue Ware Production in Bizen District 7 pottery production kilns. The kilns were used ONO Yoshihiro from 6th Century AD to 12th Century AD. They are Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties collectively called the Remains of the Old Kilns of Oku. Suzuri=Inkslab 9 Sabukaze kilns is situated at the southernmost point. JINNO Megumi It is said that the Sue ware (unglazed stone ware) of Oku Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties kilns, including Sabukaze kilns, was the root of How are Sue Ware Mortars Used ? 11 that is a popular local production even today. This booklet - A View from Ancient Cooking Tools Using Experiment introduces how Sabukaze kilns, the historic site designated MORIKAWA Minoru by the government, was found and preserved, as well as Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties the recent joint project of potters and archaeologists from Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties to replicate pottery technique and reproduce Sue pottery. The booklet will deepen your knowledge about the relation between Sabukaze kilns and the capitals of that time in Japan. 1 . Kibi Region’s Famous Large Scale Remains of the Old Kiln

The and the coast was addition to the Sue ware of traditional Kofun developed as a commercial area where period (fi fth century) types, the production of people have come and gone since ancient new types of pottery that imitated the shape times. of the bronze ware and ironware which Archaeological research discovered that there had been brought from China and in was a steady fl ow of goods, information, and seventh century began. travelers. The significant change of ware form is They came from both domestic regions related to the change of table manners. and foreign countries far from Japan such Other interesting objects are tokan, suzuri, as the Chinese mainland and the Korean and shibi. peninsula. The tokan is coffi ns made of clay which were Not like traditional ware from the Jomon used to place in ancient tombs. period (14,000-300 BC), Sue ware is The suzuri is ink stone mortars for the unglazed . It was baked in a kiln. grinding and containment of ink. This tells 2 . Distribution of Pottery Based on this new production technique and us the existence of educated people who its characteristics of early age products, it is could write letters such as government In the 24th volume regarding tax before the . considered that the makers and techniques offi cers. of a register of imperial laws and It is becoming clear that ware from here of Sue ware had been brought to Japan from The shibi was used for roof decorations of regulations called the Engishiki have been distributed widely since the the Korean peninsula. temples. regulated in the 10th century (Heian seventh century when Sabukaze kilns The production of Sue pottery started in the This age was a major turning point: period), the detail of tax owed by each were actively operated. (end of fourth to early fifth previously clans displayed their wealth and region is described. Characteristically, the ware made here century) and mainly developed at Suemura power by building tombs, but in this age, Cho is the tax posed on males, and the was beautiful and sturdy, turning a kilns (). they shifted to build temples instead. specialties of each region were specified blue-grey when fired and finished with In the eastern area of Kibi (current It was during this time that ware in there. a natural green glaze. Okayama prefecture), Sue ware started its representing both new and old culture was Bizen-no-kuni, where Sabukaze kilns Widely distributed Sue ware reveals production in the end of fourth century to produced at this Sabukaze kilns. was located, was directed to pay Cho a part of daily life of people in ancient the beginning of fifth century; however, it One of the production sites is Sabukaze by Sue ware together with other seven times, and the subtle difference of forms was considered to be small scale. kilns, which used to support the daily life of regions: Settsu, Izumi, Ohmi, Minoh, enable us to know which type was used In the Oku area, Kinabeyama No.1 ancient people by producing a variety of ware Harima, Sanuki, and Chikuzen. in which period. kiln started production in the mid-sixth from dailyware to special items used for All were large scale ware production The fact found by the researches century. Since then, the production volume tombs and temples during the period when sites. also supports to uncover the age of gradually increased, and the region became the center of Japan isles was influenced by The analyses of excavated Sue pottery abandoned objects. a large-scale Sue ware production area, Chinese mainland. During this time the king showed that ware produced at the As described above, the researches of called Oku kilns, in the seventh century. (later the ) based in Yamato (current Remains of the Old Kilns of Oku were Sue ware from Sabukaze kilns provide A representative kiln group in Oku is , central part of Japan) used in Bizen region as well as the us with a hint to know the history of Sabukaze kilns. moved on to establish a country ruled and Asuka region where the capital was Oku and Bizen and extremely profitable During the period when production at managed by laws. located, Naniwa palace site, Fujiwara information to examine the history of Sabukaze kilns became more active, in palace site, and Heijo palace site even Japan as well as the world.

1 2 4 . Mokusui’s Big Achievements

It must be noted that steady efforts have been made by local researchers when we describe the research and preservation of Sabukaze Koyo Sekigun. Particularly Waichi Tokizane (1896-1993)’s effort is worthy of special mention. Tokizane was born and grown in the village of Nagahama (currently known as part of Ushimado area in Setouchi City). From the time he was very young, he was interested in pieces of Sue ware in Sabukaze and started gathering them. He also visited Sabukaze and other ruins of kilns in Oku to gather more pottery. 3 . History of Bizen Ware Development In several tens of thousands of Tokizane’s data and objects collection, he has diligently written Most of the production sites of Sue ware city), a little northeasterly area from there. date of discovery, the lot number, depth where goods were actively produced from the The production of tableware declined and from the ground surface, and so forth of each Kofun period to the early Heian period (mid different items such as jars and mortars object he has unearthed, thus enhancing the third century to twelfth century) fell into a began to be produced more. academic nature of his documents. decline after the middle of Heian period. After the 12th century (the Heian Period), He posted his research papers in the academic Among those, only production sites having kilns eventually concentrated around Inbe magazine “Kibi Koko” and published a favorable conditions survived and continued area (Bizen city) and the major color of document collection “Okunokamaato” to build production when they adapted in accordance pale or blue gray Sue ware changed to dark the foundation of Sue pottery research in Bizen with the times. brown. region. Sue ware production in Sabukaze kilns area This is how the Bizen pottery was Tokizane’s artist name was Mokusui, and was already discontinued; however, the accomplished. The revival of Bizen pottery he was called “Mokusui-san” with respect. A tradition of pottery is still alive. as a high-quality item spread around statue of him made in Bizen ware was erected The craftsperson of Oku transferred their Japan and is to this day popular and widely in the garden of the Sabukaze Art Gallery to working center from Ushimado area where used and is one of Japan’s representative honor his achievements and in gratitude for Artist: Hikaru Shimamura Sabukaze kilns is located to Sayama (Bizen potteries. his life-long efforts. (Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Properties Okayama Prefecture)

3 4 5 . Designated as National Historic Site 6 . Development of Research

Tokizane excavated dump fields of so- magnetic abnormality due to soil Thanks to accumulated research results fl uorescence spectrometers which analyze called No.1 remain of kilns, where junk magnetized by high temperature. over a long period, Sabukaze started minor elements of clay. such as failed objects, kiln walls, and ash This investigation pointed out the gathering attention as an important In 2002, an explanatory booklet about was abandoned in 1929.Furthermore, possibility of four kilns underground. Sue ware supply area and comparative Sabukaze kilns were published. he researched the stone chamber in Partial excavation proved that they research of potteries with one found in old From 2004, fact-check research was Sabukaze tomb in 1935 and found that actually exist. capitals were also started actively. performed in accordance with the Sue ware fragments paved the fl oor, and In addition, a pit-house of the same period As the first project, in 1989, excavated maintenance of the remain. a pottery coffin and long neck jars were was found near the site. The discovery of goods from Sabukaze kilns were reviewed First, the site was explored for the placed there. a lump of clay suggested that the house to study about the production sites in purpose of locating the position and form After the World War II, one of leading might have been a workshop. various parts of Japan of Sue ware of kilns. researchers on the archeology of Okayama In 1986, Agency for Cultural Affairs said, excavated from Heijo palace site. In addition to conventional magnetometry prefecture, Hiroshi Nishikawa, analyzed “the production technique of many of After the mutual comparison research prospecting, ground-penetrating radar as data. He organized the chronology that excavated objects are excellent. Besides, of Sue ware production sites in Japan, well as electrical prospecting enabled the determines actual temporal sequence of Sue ware made in this area were found at it was found that Sue ware produced in excavation of deeper parts which had been Sue ware in Okayama by using data and the Heijo ancient capital. Sue ware is the Bizen area is similar to the one produced difficult with the magnetometry method, materials from Sabukaze kilns, and each milestone of Sue ware chronology in Kibi in Mino area. Now recognizing whether and the result suggested that there might period when individual kiln was used. area, which is highly valuable in academic a ware was produced in Bizen or Mino be a remain of a kiln at the south part of As it was uncovered that Sabukaze kilns history”. An area of 19,015 ㎡ was became a new challenge. 1-I and 1-II kiln remains. were an important Sue ware production designated as National Historic Site and Research uncovering the production site The second excavation performed the next site in Bizen area, a plan to maintain the its importance was further recognized. delivers good results by the use of X-ray year based on the results of exploration area as an old pottery town was raised. discovered 1-III kiln which is the oldest The purpose of this plan was to preserve in Sabukaze kilns suggested by ground- the remain of kilns while providing ware penetrating radar. In addition, the age artists with a place for creative activities when fi ve kilns were used and what were and promoting the understanding of the made in there, the detail of Kazaana world of potteries through a museum tour tomb, and a pit-house which might be a and ware making experiences. workshop were discovered. In 1978, a committee and research Since 2016, Sabukaze Tougeinosato team was organized and performed started Sue ware kiln, Sue ware field investigations and magnetometry production and baking project and joint prospecting in order to grasp the research with archaeologists of Nara character and detail of archaeological National Research Institute for Cultural sites and to apply National Historic Site. Properties for the trial to connect present The magnetometry prospecting is a time and ancient time and study it. method of non-destructive investigation to find underground kilns, which measures

5 6 7.Relation with Capitals 661), brought the capital back to Asuka, productions had spread across Japan except Naniwa palace still seems to have been a base for present-day Hokkaido and Okinawa The Ancient Capitals and the Sue Ware Production facility during the times of empress Saimei prefectures. There used to be plenty of Sue in Bizen District ONO Yoshihiro and emperor Tenchi (626-672). According to a pottery production areas in those days, while Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties record, when Kudara collapsed in the Korean most of them have already stopped operating. Peninsula in 660, empress Saimei went to Only in Owari () and Bizen When we excavate the relics of the capitals in the capital. The salient point in the relations Naniwa palace to command troops to prepare (Okayama prefecture), the tradition of the Asuka era (592-710), such as the Asuka with the local societies, especially, is that a for its restoration support. In fact, not a few producing “pottery” has been surely passed region, Fujiwara palace site, and Fujiwara massive increase in the demand for the dishes Sue ware presumably made during the times down from generation to generation until today. palace site (hereinafter collectively called the at the capital is likely to have significantly of emperor Kotoku and emperor Tenchi were Therefore, to clarify the history of the Sue ware Asuka and Fujiwara area), understandably, promoted the Sue ware productions in local excavated from Naniwa palace site. By taking production, including Sabukaze kilns, is an many Haji ware and Sue ware used in those places. a closer look at them, many of them seem to essential task in tracing the developing process days are unearthed. As we carefully observe In fact, the studies found that in Sanage kilns be made of whiter clay in Bizen or Harima, of the diachronic Japanese ceramic industry. an overwhelmingly large number of these and Bihoku kilns in the Owari district, and compared with the ones made around the In this aspect, it also has a great significance potteries, we notice that the shapes of the in Kosai kilns located between the Mikawa same age in the Asuka and Fujiwara area. beyond the field of local history research. potteries (dishes) considerably changed after and the Toutoumi regions, numbers of kilns The country ruled and managed by laws the second half of the seventh century, even in had exponentially increased, in parallel with had already started to be established the same Asuka era. An obvious change is seen supplying a huge number of Sue ware to the since the times of emperor Koutoku and at the bottoms of the dishes. The round-bottom capitals in the Asuka and Fujiwara area. emperor Tenmu, by the movements such style shifted to the flat-bottom or compote We also assumed that the same phenomenon as creating Hyo as a local administrative style, which is considered to be associated could also be found in the Bizen and Harima unit, establishing The Nineteen Level Cap with a change in eating style. In eating, people districts from which the Sue ware was sent. and Rank System and revising it to The used to hold the dishes, but they started to eat From the studies on those districts, from the Twenty-six Level Cap and Rank System, putting the dishes on a tray or board at that middle of the seventh century, as the number and introducing Kougo Nenjyaku as the first time. This phenomenon, however, was pointed of kilns in Bizen (Oku kilns) started to grow, national family registration system. out by some researchers much earlier. It is the kiln distribution moved from inland to the As mentioned earlier, we presume the reason well-known in archeological society and not a coast of Seto Inland Sea. The kiln distribution why the pottery demand in the capital very new finding to highlight. supposedly shifted to the coast area, for massively surged was urbanization of the Fig. 1 Sue ware dishes in Asuka approximately Instead, we are now paying more attention convenient transportation by water. However, capital due to organizing these codes. While in the middle of the seventh century (unearthed from Amakashi no Oka Toroku to a phenomenon. Almost at the same time we slightly question the relevance of the era the Asuka and Fujiwara area urbanized site) scale 1/4 when the shapes of the potteries went through because the changes in Bizen seem to have during the emperor Tenmu era, Naniwa a significant change, the pottery consumption been a little earlier than the vitalization of the palace may have already begun to urbanize skyrocketed in the Asuka and Fujiwara area, Sue ware production in the Tokai area like during the era between emperor Kotoku and Sue ware began to be produced in many Owari or Mikawa. and Tenchi. If so, it can become a reasonable other regions. Until the middle of the seventh In Bizen, at the same time as the opening of interpretation that the Setouchi region century, most Sue ware had presumably been Sabukaze kilns, the number of kilns started surrounding Osaka bay was also required to made of blackish clay in the Suemura kilns to rise, and the locations of the kilns started produce Sue potteries to fulfill the demand in in Izumi (Osaka prefecture). Almost after the to move seawards. On the other hand, the Naniwa palace, as well as Suemura kilns, the Fig. 2 Sue ware dishes in Asuka approximately emperor Tenmu era (672-686), the production number of Sue ware made in Bizen clearly previous major production area. in the emperor Tenmu era (672-686) (unearthed from Ishigami site) scale 1/4 of pottery baked at remote kilns and brought started to increase in the Asuka and Fujiwara Though this view is still just a conjecture so to the capitals remarkably increased, such as area from the times of the Remains of the far, we believe that it is important to make in Bizen (Okayama prefecture) and Harima Old Kilns of Shinbayashi(Myandao)or a clear explanation on the movements of (Hyogo prefecture) in the west Japan and Tsuchibashi, which is a little later than the the Sue ware productions in the ancient Toutoumi (), Owari, and time of the Sabukaze kilns opening. Bizen, including Sabukaze kilns. It is not Mikawa (Aichi prefecture) in the east Japan. Where were the potteries baked in the early only an issue of the local history in Bizen or This was the era when the emperor Tenmu days in Sabukaze kilns transported? Thinking Okayama but also a vital issue that connects was just establishing the laws to administrate about it, what we came up with was the to the Japanese archeological history studies the nation. We presume that because of existence of Naniwa palace site. Right after surrounding the ancient capitals. From the dramatic rise in the pottery demand, political in 645, enthroned emperor Kotoku the Kofun period (the third to the seventh Fig. 3 Sue ware dishes made in Bizen there would have been a sharp increase in (596-654) made Naniwa palace as capital. century) throughout the Asuka, Nara (710- unearthed from Asuka Ishigami site urbanization because the officials moved into Although the successor, empress Saimei (594- 794), and Heian period (794-1192), Sue ware scale 1/4

7 8 7.Relation with Capitals move ink from the top part to the cavity, observe Suzuri discovered in Nara Palace and no ink was detected in the cavity. site. I thought that Suzuri is the most Suzuri = Inkslab difficult to product of the ancient Sue ware. JINNO Megumi Hypothesis 2. Water container. Some But Sabukaze ceramic artists have enough Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties experts think it functioned as both Suzuri passion and technique! The Enmenken and a water container. However, it seems replicas they made are just like the real Suzuri is an instrument to rub an ink stick the beginning of , and the same difficult to pour the water while using ones except that it has a slightly red color. with water to make ink. It is estimated that type of Suzuri was found in Horyuji Temple Suzuri. One researcher developed the Archaeologist, Mr. Shoichi Baba who Suzuri comes from Sumisuri, the phonic (Nara pref.) and Nara Capital city (Image hypothesis that the ancients put a cord excavated the Sabukaze kilns, has presented symbols which means to rub an ink stick, 2). Rare Enmenkens with brush holders through the handle and put water in for me one of the replicas. See Image 2, in that was written in the dictionary of the were discovered in Sabukaze kiln. About 15 the cavity to carry with. It seems very this picture, most of Suzuri are excavated Heian period (A.D.794-1185). Usually Enmenken with brush holders discovered reasonable, but it remains a question: how archaeological artifacts, but one of them is Suzuri means an ink stone, but in ancient all over Japan have a hole of about 1 cm. did the ancients use the handleless Chuku the replica. Can you find it? One day I hope Japan, they used inkslabs made by Sue Though more than 5000 Suzuri have been Enmenken? Sabukaze ceramic artists make Chuku ware found in the domestic excavations, it is quite Enmenken again. I want to try rubbing an rare to find ancient brushes. Though some Hypothesis 3. Hot water container. It is ink stick, put water in it and hang, and even In the (A.D.592-710), Japan brushes in the Nara period made with rabbit inspired by the word Danken(暖硯), warm with hot water. begun to form a nation based on the or deer fur in bamboo stems are preserved Dan( 暖 ) means warm, Ken ( 硯 )means Teikyaku Enmenken Ritsuryo Code(a formal body of penal and in Shosoin Treasures, the material of a Suzuri, so Danken means a warm Suzuri. the largest Enmenken exca- vated from Nara Palace site, administrative laws), and started to use brush stem is not fully identified because This word was written in Shosoin treasure with a diameter of 50 cm written characters. This required many bamboo is easily decomposed when buried in house documents in the Nara period. At that inkslabs to be produced in various regions the ground. Therefore, Suzuri with a brush time Suzuri was heated with charcoal fire in Japan. Suzuri was used to write the holder is very important evidence that the at the sutra transcription room. The ancient Kensoku Enmenken documents in the governmental offices and ancients used the same type of brush all ink stick was made from mixture of the soot to transcribe a sutra in the temples. The over the country. of pine and collagen. Researchers guess expansion of Suzuri manufacturing gives an that Suzuri should be warm in cold weather Ink stick archaeological clue to determine how widely Mystery about the Chuku Enmenken conditions to make it easier to dissolve the written characters were used. collagen. To do that, they assume that the Ruler Small iron knife to Chuku Enmenken, or a round shaped cavity was filled with hot water to warm grind miswritten char- Enmenken is the most popular type of Suzuri with a cavity are also found in up Suzuri. This hypothesis is interesting, acters from a narrow strip of wood, used as Brush Water jug Suzuri from the Asuka period to the Sabukaze kiln. Chuku Enmenkens are often but some researchers disagree an eraser (restored) Nara period (A.D.710-794). It has round- discovered in the ruins from the Asuka with it because some Image. 1 shaped land part for rubbing an ink stick, period to the beginning of the Nara period. Chuku Enmenken have A new Enmenken created in Sabukaze Tougei Enmenken surrounded by the sea part as a moat to About 50 cases were reported in Japan. a handle located too low Kaikan is shown in the picture. Can you find it? this type of Enmenken often discovered in NaraPalace site or keep ink. A big Enmenken with a diameter Some Chuku Enmenkens have a handle in to keep hot water in Capital cities, but rare in the countryside. Kensoku Enmenken with of more than 50 cm was discovered at Nara the shape of cylinder, a bird, or a turtle. horizontal position. a ridge at the base part, Palace site, where the central government particular feature of En- menken in Sabukaze kiln. offices were located in Nara Capital city Actually, we do not fully understand how It was discovered in Horyuji Now, what do you think? Temple. (Image 1). There are many kinds of Suzuri the ancients used this type of Suzuri. If we make a replica discovered in Nara Capital city: for example Though the sea part is too shallow to keep Chuku Enmenken and Bird-shaped Suzuri, Turtle-shaped Suzuri, ink, it is assumed to be Suzuri according to use it, maybe we can get the shape of a sacred gem of Buddhism, and the traces of rubbing ink. The archaeologists a new idea or vision. also the shape of the Chinese character ” 風 ” estimate that some kind of liquid was kept The answer is this! for wind (Image 2). in the cavity part. What did the ancients put Is it difficult to make in the cavity? There are various hypotheses, a Suzuri? Enmenken in Sabukaze kiln and here I would like to introduce some interesting ones. In June 2018, Sabukaze Most of Suzuri discovered in Sabukaze kiln Hypothesis 1. Ink container. It might be the ceramic artists working are openwork Enmenken with decorative first idea that comes in your mind, but some on the ancient Sue Animal shaped Suzuri Chuku Enmenken with bird-shaped handle discovered Bird shape is the most popular, turtle shape comes in Prince Nagaya (684-729) ’s home site. It is a mys- profile at the base part. This feature is Chuku Enmenken do not have a hole to the ware restoration project the second. tery how the ancients used it. common in Suzuri from the Asuka period to cavity. Without a hole it seems difficult to visited our Institute to Image. 2

9 10 7.Relation with Capitals The way to eat raw fish is similar to that of a clove of garlic puree, only a few minutes is How are Sue Ware Mortars Used? in ancient China. It is quite possible that needed. Incidentally, I have prepared some -A View from an Experiment Using Ancient Cooking Tools the tool to pound the garlic was Toukyu. wooden grinding sticks I made from branches MORIKAWA Minoru of camellia by myself, since I assume that Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties As our research for Toukyu (Sue ware grinding sticks were not ceramic but wooden. mortar) proceeds, we learned that it appeared in the fifth to sixth century. It Toukyus excavated from Heijo-kyo the means the culture to use it for cooking ancient capital in Nara were made in “Sue ware Grinding Bowl” Another cake in New year, but mortars include should have come down from mainland the production area of Sue ware, which Report not only wooden ones but also millstones. China in the Kofun period. However, is the current southern part of Okayama Millstones are pounding mortars used Toukyu itself was moving into decline prefecture, and carried all the way from At the ruins of the Kofun period, the for peeling or polishing rice grains, and during the Heian period (794-1185) and had there. The ancient production areas of Sue Asuka period and Nara period (around much larger than Toukyu. If a ware was disappeared by tenth century, and now, it ware were Owari, Mino, Izumi, Harima 1000 to 1450 years ago), curious shaped used like this, it would get cracked and has become so unknown that the way of Province etc., and of course at Bizen Sue ware which are called “grinding bowls” broken immediately. Then, how was it using it is a research theme. I would like Province. Many Sue ware were made or “kneading bowls” by archaeologists are used? I believe the Sue pottery grinding to tell that it is very difficult to recover an there. Actually, in an exhibition room of sometimes excavated. (Fig. 1) While they bowl, Toukyu, is a cooking mortar used extinct culture. this Sabukaze Tougei Kaikan, there are call them grinding bowl, they don’t have any in a kitchen. It is for neither grinding nor Toukyus excavated from the place adjacent thread for grinding which the grinding bowl kneading, but for pounding food in the Encounter with Sabukaze Tougei to Sabukaze kilns. of Bizen ware have. Also, their body seems kitchen. It can be thought of as a cooking Kaikan too high, the angle of cone is a little bit too mortar. They look unremarkable and featureless sharp to grind, and more than anything, When we make an assumption about the Sue ware, but they might tell us an ancient the bottom part looks really tough and Cooking Mortar in Asia usage of Toukyu more or less like the cooking technique lost now. I hope Sue ware thick. We cannot find any grinding bowl description above, the next issue is how production and baking project last in the like this shape in modern Japanese kitchen. Interestingly, in East Asia (China, South can we make sure of the fact? One of the future and bring a full of results. Then how did the ancient people use these Korea) and Southeast Asian countries ways is to conduct an experiment using the potteries? (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, etc.), people still object. However, since the actual Toukyu use a cooking mortar as a cooking tool today. which has been excavated from sites is a A Sue ware which was probably called The shape is much alike; many have thick cultural property, we cannot use it for our “Toukyu” or “Sueusu” is revealed in bottom parts with cone-shaped bodies, and trial. A replica that looks exactly like the “Engishiki”, and I assume that the Sue ware the shape and size are very similar with the real thing is needed. Therefore, when I was grinding bowl I mentioned above is this, ones of the ancient Toukyu. Furthermore, considering purchasing some clay mortars Toukyu. The Kanji of Toukyu expresses the materials are wooden, stone, ceramic, baked in Southeast Asia even now and use “clay Mortar”, but when we say “Mortar”, and also plastic. In China, their cooking them for the experiment alternatively, I Japanese people tend to remember a large mortar is used for crushing garlic, and the met the ware artists of Sabukaze Tougei Image 1. Korean Kitchen Mortar (Dogu) wooden mortar with which we make rice one called “dogu” is sold anywhere in South Kyogikai unexpectedly. I asked them to Korea (Image 1). Also, in Southeast Asia, make a Sue ware like Toukyu despite it people use a mortar to prepare herbs and being our first time to meet. They agreed to spices at the first step of cooking, and for make it as part of “Sue ware production and them, it is impossible to cook without it. baking project” held at Sabukaze Tougei I think we can say that a cooking mortar Kaikan in Sabukaze Tougeinosato, then we fulfilled an important role to make a base of started communicating each other. I still food and taste in each country and region. remember that I was so impressed when I found Toukyu among Sue ware which just When seen all over Asia like this, we can had been taken out from a kiln and cooled imagine in some vague way what kind of under bright sunshine. After that, these cooking tool the Toukyu is in the ancient Toukyus were sent to me and I used them Japan. There is a poem says “I would like (Image 2) as a cooking tool, I discovered to eat raw fish seasoned in soy sauce and that they are strong and durable enough to Fig. 1 Typical Example of Toukyu vinegar with pounded garlic” in “Manyoshu”. crush and grind garlic and ginger. To make Image 2. Restored Toukyu

11 12 SABUKAZE Foundation

5092, Ushimadochonagahama, Setouchi-shi, Okayama,JAPAN TEL/FAX:+81-869-34-5680 [email protected] Relation between Sabukaze kilns and the capitals

Issued by Setouchi City