What is underglaze painting on Hasami ware? The painting process seen at the factory.

The creation of Hasami-yaki pottery involves various stages, including shaping, painting, glazing, and firing.

At Takayama, once the unglazed bodies arrive, the vessels gradually acquire their patterns and character through processes such as brushwork and pad printing.

Here, we introduce the "underglaze painting" process carried out in the second-floor workshop.

https://youtu.be/dVznCF80XxI

| What is underglaze painting?

Underglaze painting is the process of applying patterns or lines to a vessel before it is fired.

Craftsmen carefully hand-paint each piece, using a brush to suit its specific shape and design.

The impression the vessel conveys shifts subtly depending on the thickness and intensity of the lines and the movement of the brush.

The appeal of underglaze painting lies in the unique softness and warmth that only hand-craftsmanship can create, even when the same pattern is used.

| An important step that adds character to the vessel.

Adding a rim changes the character of the vessel.

When painting the underglaze design, the artisan does more than simply draw a pattern; they work while carefully considering the balance of the entire vessel.

It is the accumulation of small details—such as the lines along the rim, intricate patterns, and the nuances of brushstrokes, including variations in density and texture—that defines the character of the finished piece.

Unlike patterns created through pad printing, lines drawn by an artisan’s hand possess a unique, natural quality.

As the pattern is applied, the vessel gradually reveals the form it will take upon completion, transforming from its initial state as a plain white body.

| Focus on the artisan's hands.

Please also take a look at the delicate handiwork.

During the factory tour, you can watch artisans as they hold the vessels and paint patterns with their brushes.

You will witness the intricate craftsmanship involved—from the movement of the brush and the steady hand supporting the vessel to the very moment the lines are drawn—details rarely seen up close.

While the work may appear quiet at first glance, it is a crucial step that defines the character of the finished piece.

At the Takayama OPEN FACTORY, you can observe this pottery-making process right before your eyes.

We invite you to join a factory tour and see firsthand how Hasami-yaki pottery takes shape.