[Hyogo, Minami Awaji] Experience making "Awaji Iga", a reproduction of "Old Iga", the highest quality pottery in history, which was known as "exceptional beauty" in the world of tea ceremony, mainly during the Sengoku period!

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• "Ko-Iga" pottery is considered to be the pinnacle of historical excellence, renowned for its exceptional beauty in the world of tea ceremony, particularly during the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods, when figures like Sen no Rikyu, Oda Nobunaga, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi were active. Experience the Awaji Iga technique, a revival of the Ko-Iga style used in tea ceremony at that time, with one-on-one instruction from artisans who handcrafted Japan's largest six-tiered climbing kiln. Ko-Iga pottery is fired at the unparalleled world-highest temperature of 1400°C over several days, resulting in distorted shapes and sometimes cracking due to repeated firewood strikes. However, the sheer presence and beauty of the pottery surpasses these limitations. (Bonfire temperatures of 250°C-450°C, blast furnace temperatures of 1500°C) Awaji Iga aims to revive Ko-Iga pottery, emphasizing the invisible processes and value of the craft. Therefore, modern tools such as burners, thermometers, and glazes that vitrify the surface are not used. During the Sengoku period, wars were raging throughout Japan, but no one truly desired war. Tea ceremonies served as a place for secret discussions to avoid conflict. It is said that ancient Iga clay was used as a special tool to hold special tea ceremonies, which, if successful, could avert war, but if unsuccessful, would result in war. At Tsurugi Kiln, you can experience the revival of ancient Iga clay, used in tea ceremonies that determined history and people's lives, and the creation of Awaji Iga pottery. *The actual experience only lasts until the shaping process. During the four-day, night-long firing in February, you can observe the impressive production at any time. Enjoy visiting Awaji Island three times: for the shaping process, the February firing, and collection from April onward. ■Itinerary 1. Decide what to make. 2. Knead the clay. 3. Shape, string making, hand-shaping, and bead making. *The actual experience only lasts until the shaping process. During the February firing, you can view your creation. *As the work is fired once a year during the February firing, it will not be available for collection until spring.