Ohi Museum
A Special Tour Guided by Ohi Chozaemon

Kanazawa Tea Culture and
the Charm of Ohi Ware:
A Journey of the Senses

Renowned Ohi-yaki pottery dates back over 360 years to the Edo Period, its origins trace back to Kyoto’s Raku-yaki. It has become an indispensable part of Kanazawa’s tea culture and is deeply connected to the local region. What sets Ohi-yaki apart is the fact each piece is shaped entirely by hand without a potter’s wheel. The result is rich expression carved with a hera (scraper tool) and a distinct, brilliant amber glaze.

Under the guidance of Toshio-san, the 11^th Ohi Chozaemon, I had the valuable opportunity to tour the Ohi Museum. The museum has works created by successive generations of Ohi artisans from the founder to the present as well as tea utensils closely linked to the Kaga Domain. Visitors can also enjoy a special selection of works and materials which once belonged to important cultural figures closely associated with the Ohi family. I was given a detailed explanation of the background of each piece, the personalities of their creators, and other interesting anecdotes.

One truly special moment was the tea ceremony in the Nennenan Tea Room. To choose from any tea bowl made by a previous Ohi Chozaemon and use it myself was grand experience. Despite its heavy appearance, the bowl fit comfortably in my hands, and as I drank the matcha tea I was surprised by how soft its edge felt against my mouth.

It was a moment to savor timeless beauty and the spirit of craftsmanship. I will never forget the delicate charm of Ohi-yaki or this experience steeped in history and tradition.