Suzu ware

Suzu ware (珠洲焼, Suzu-yaki) is a type of pre-modern Japanese pottery from the Noto Peninsula on the coast of Ishikawa prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of central Japan.

Suzu ware pottery has been found in many locations along the coast of the Sea of Japan as far north as Hokkaido, indicating that it was a common trade good for the coastal commerce.

In recent times, however, production of pottery along those traditional lines has resumed.

Suzu ware was fired in tunnel-shaped kilns built into hill slopes, at over 1100 degrees.

Upon extinguishing the fire, the furnace opening and the flue were sealed to starve the kiln of oxygen, causing the iron contained in the clay to turn into a characteristic shade of dark gray.