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