Overview

Ceramic Classifications

Ceramics (yakimono) are classified into four types based on raw materials, firing temperature, and physical properties such as water absorption: earthenware, pottery, stoneware, and porcelain. Each type has distinct characteristics, uses, and historical backgrounds, playing important roles in Japanese traditional crafts and daily life. Earthenware represents the most primitive form dating back to the Jomon period, pottery supports Japanese food culture as representative tableware, stoneware creates unique textures through unglazed high-temperature firing techniques, and porcelain represents the most advanced craftsmanship producing elegant pieces.

ceramics pottery porcelain stoneware earthenware traditional crafts Japanese crafts tableware

code	slug	name	description	examples	firingTemperature	glaze	sound	translucency	waterAbsorption
1	earthenware	Earthenware	The most primitive form of ceramics, fired at low temperatures with high water absorption.	["Jomon pottery","Yayoi pottery","Flower pots"]	700°C - 900°C	Unglazed (typically)	Dull sound	None	High (10%+)
2	pottery	Pottery	Traditional Japanese ceramics made from clay and fired with glaze application.	["Mino-yaki","Seto-yaki","Mashiko-yaki","Karatsu-yaki","Kasama-yaki"]	1000°C - 1200°C	Glazed (required)	Dull thud	None	Present (3% - 10%)
3	stoneware	Stoneware	Robust ceramics with intermediate properties between pottery and porcelain, fired at high temperatures.	["Shigaraki-yaki","Bizen-yaki","Tokoname-yaki","Tanba-yaki","Sue ware"]	1100°C - 1300°C	Unglazed (typically)	Relatively clear	None	Minimal (0.5% - 3%)
4	porcelain	Porcelain	Premium white, hard, and translucent ceramics made from ceramic stone and fired at high temperatures.	["Arita-yaki (Imari)","Kutani-yaki","Kyo-yaki","Hasami-yaki"]	1300°C - 1400°C	Glazed	Clear metallic ring	Yes (translucent)	None (0% - 0.5%)

Ceramics are classified into four types: earthenware, pottery, stoneware, and porcelain based on materials and firing temperature.