Mizunami City in Gifu Prefecture is one of the renowned production areas for Mino ware, once famous for the manufacture and global export of western-style tableware. Established in 1977, Miyama has inherited this legacy of advanced craftsmanship and continues to create products that suit modern dining styles.

Released in February 2025, the “Yakiiro” chopstick rests are available as a set of five and in six distinct varieties, each designed with a “Japanese modern” aesthetics in mind. As the name suggests, this series incorporates traditional pottery techniques as the “Iroha” (the basics) of “Yakimono” (pottery). Through these pieces, one can appreciate the natural gradation of color, contrasting textures, blurring, brush marks and other interesting aspects of ceramics.

The “Underglaze Sometsuke” design, featuring motifs of goldfish and fireworks, combines white porcelain with the cool blue of the gosu pigment to create a refreshing and beautiful impression. Patterns printed on Japanese paper are transferred onto the porcelain surface, then glazed and fired at high temperatures to achieve a soft finish.

“Glaze Decal (kooci)” adopts the glazed copperplate painting technique, in which glass is mixed into the paint used for the transfer. This technique highlights the contrast between the smooth texture of the original clay and the glossy texture of the transferred design. The traditional “Kooci” (grid) pattern is expressed through varying strengths of the glaze lines, resulting in a light and graceful appearance. “Inglaze Coloration” features a warm brown and deep green background, with cut-out-style depictions of vegetables and kitchen tools, such as onions and teapots, evoking a sense of warmth and coziness.

In the “Underglaze Iron Kooci Pattern” design, a hand-painted grid pattern is created using iron rust pigment applied with a brush, allowing each piece to express the unique character of handcrafted work. Although the same pigment is used across all pieces, variations in glaze combinations result in different expressions, showcasing the dynamic beauty of ceramics. “Double-Glaze Overlay” uses a layering technique with two types of glazes to create three distinct color tones. The overlapping gradation at the center is particularly beautiful. Lastly, “Choco Chip Glaze” stands out with its lovely, pop-colored design that resembles a sweet treat.

The “Yakiiro” chopstick rests are available both as sets of five and as individual pieces, offering the flexibility to mix and match with other designs. Ideal as souvenirs for foreign visitors to Japan or as thoughtful gifts for family and friends.

◾️Product information
Product name: Yakiiro Chopstick rest, set of 5
Underglaze Sometsuke
Glaze Decal (kooci)
Inglaze Coloration
Underglaze Iron Kooci Pattern
Double-Glaze Overlay
Choco Chip Glaze
Size: Item size W45×D45×H10mm, Box size W240×D50×H20mm
Material: Porcelain

◾️Contact
Miyama Co., Ltd.
Corporate website: https://www.miyama-web.co.jp/
Online shop: https://miyama-shokkiten.co.jp/