Koma-Suji Miniature Donburi Bowl with Lid

Traditional Koma-Suji

Koma-Suji refers to horizontal lines which resembles spinning top. It’s a traditional Japanese design, and this Iga-yaki’s koma-suji design has a beautiful wabi-sabi look.

True “Terroir” of Iga

Iga region, where this pottery is made, used to be the bed of Lake Biwa about 4 million years ago. The clay is coarse and consists of a high level of pre-historic fossilized microorganisms that leave the clay porous when fired. With this effect, when Iga-yaki (Iga-style) pottery is crafted by artisanal hands, it creates the signature wabi-sabi (“unfinished beauty”) look. This uncommon wabi-sabi beauty of Iga-yaki pottery has been praised by pottery lovers in Japan over centuries.

Authentic Iga-yaki pottery by Nagatani-en

Iga-yaki pottery is one of Japan’s most highly-regarded traditional ceramics, and