Akahada ware (Akahada-yaki) is a type of Japanese pottery traditionally from Nara Prefecture focused on primarily Tea Ceremony ware. 

 

Starting in 1585 Akahada ware was created by several kilns and became a favorite of Korobi Enshū. There was a serious decline due to the political changes in the mid 18th century, causing the kilns to be moved around and changed.

 

In 1785 the feudal lord in Koriyama castle in Nara Yanagisawa Yasumitsu, asked two potters named Inosuke and Jihee to revitalize the kilns. The kilns were eventually moved to Koriyama and had a central, eastern, and western kiln. The central kiln was run by Okuda Mokuhaku. The western kiln was run by the two potters Sobei and Shijiro After 1785 the kilns had the patronage of the daimyo of Koriyama castle where they remain in production today.

 

The clay is milky white, sometimes with a hint of red, with clear glaze. The most common form is tea wares such as cups, jars, and bowls. A common defining feature is Nara-e drawings painted onto the surface under the glaze featuring scenes from fairy tales, noh songs, and other similar sources.

 

Currently, there are six Akahada ware kilns operating in Nara today. The eight-generation Furuse kiln, the fourth-generation Oshiro Akiyama kiln, another Oshiro kiln, the ninth-generation Oshiro Sheijin kiln, the fourth-generation Ogawa kiln, and the eight-generation Onishi kiln.

After learning how to make clay paste and glaze liquid at Kyoto’s Pottery Research Studio, he learned under his predecessor, Niraku the 2nd.
In 1955, he took over as Niraku the 3rd and has since made wares using traditional techniques like Nara illustrations, basket carving, and ash glaze.


 

He has won the Mayor’s Award at the Nara Prefecture Exhibition, and was a judge at the Nara Municipal Art Festival, is a member of the Nara Crafts Association as well as the Arts Association, and Chairman of the Nara Flower Arrangement Association, contributing to Nara’s cultural development. He received the title of Person of Cultural Merit from Yamatokoriyama city for his contributions.

 

THIS AJISAI BELL IS AWARDED. ;)

Yatadera, the formal name is Yatasan Kongousenji Temple, locates middle of Yatayama in Yata-kyuryo Hills which is 3.5km west from the castle town Yamato-koriyama. It houses the oldest Enmei Jizo Bosatsu (Kshitigarbha) Statue in Japan.

 

About 1300 years ago, Prince Oama (later Emperor Tenmu) ascended Yatayama to pray for the victory of Jinshin War (672). After the war, Emperor Tenmu ordered Chitsu Sojo to construct the compound, and this was the beginning of Yatadera.

 

At first, Eleven-faced Kannon Bosatsu and Kichijoten were the principal images of Yatadera. Since Mammai Shonin enshrined the image, the faith of Jizo has spread around this temple. 

 

Temple been planting hydrangea from 1965, because the round-shaped flower looks like the gemstone which Jizo holds in his hand. Jizo came to this world to save people and stayed 5,670,000,000 years, after the death of Shakyamuni-Buddha until the appearence of Miroku-bosatsu. The many petals of the hydrangea, with the variety of colours, reflect the metamorphosis of Jizo-bosatsu. It is said that Jizo-bosatsu changes his figure to save people and the transience of human life.

 

About 1300 years ago, Cama-no-miko, who became the Emperor Tenmu afterwards, went up Yata hill to pray for victory. In the 4th year of Hakuho (676), Chitsu-sojo (priest), ordered by the Emperor, build 7 buildings of the temple and 48 residence for priests, and placed Avalokitesvava-bodhisattva with 11 faces with glorious celestial nymph. It was the beginning of the temple. 

 

This temple is popular by the name ' Yarta-dera ' temple, because the district has been called 'Yata-no-sato' village since the period of Mannyo (6 A.D.). In documents of Nara era (8 A.D.), already, the name ' Yata-dera ' is found. 

 

After the establishment, since the placement of Jizo-bosatsu by Manmai-shonin and Onono Takamura of early Heian period, this temple has been flouishing as the center of Jizo worship. At the end of the medieval times, buildings of the temple were burnt down by the attack of Matsunaga Hisahide. The temple has been recovered afterward by the reconstruction of main building, which is one of the largest in Nara prefecture, and other buildings. It has also many other Buddhist cultural properties. 

 

At the back of the temple, on Yata hill, there are 88 stone images of Buddha representing 88 spiriturl spots in Shikoku Island. There are many who visit those images of Buddha and also enjoy hiking. In the present Yatadera temple, there are four priests' residences: Daimondo, Nenbutsuin, Kitasobo, and Minamisobo.

 

There’re 10,000 varieties of hydrangea, and 60 different species, which bloom in different season; for example, some bloom in middle of May, and other bloom in September.

Ajisai flower is a beautiful and enchanting plant that carries a rich symbolic and spiritual significance. It has long been considered a symbol of gratitude, grace, and beauty, and it is believed to hold strong connections to the spiritual realm. The flower is thought to invoke feelings of calmness, peace, and tranquillity, helping individuals to tap into their inner spirituality. Its delicate petals represent gratitude and the appreciation of life’s beauty, while the vibrant colors can help to lift one’s mood and promote joy and happiness.

 

Ajisai also has medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, fever, and digestive issues. The flower contains compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a valuable natural remedy. Additionally, the flower’s extract has been used in skincare products for its hydrating and soothing effects on the skin.

 

Ajisai flower is also associated with the rainy season, as it blooms during this time. It is often seen as a symbol of perseverance and resilience, as it continues to thrive despite the heavy rains. Ajisai is also believed to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits, making it a popular choice for decorations during festivals and ceremonies.

 

In numerology, Ajisai flower is associated with the number 4, which represents stability and balance. Those born on the 4th, 13th, or 22nd of any month are said to have a strong connection to Ajisai flower, and may be drawn to its calming and peaceful energy.

 

Ajisai is considered lucky in Japan, where it is believed to bring prosperity, love, and protection. When given as a gift, the flower is said to symbolize a wish for good luck and happiness in life. Its vibrant colors and intricate details also make it a popular choice for artwork and home decor, where it is believed to bring prosperity and abundance into the home.

 

Ajisai has inspired many works of literature and art throughout history. In Japanese poetry, the flower is often used as a symbol of transience and the fleeting nature of life. Its delicate petals and short blooming period serve as a reminder to cherish the present moment and appreciate the beauty around us while it lasts.

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