Oritoori - Ishigaki City Official Tourism Information Website
Ishigaki Island has about 20 pottery studios, each producing unique and distinctive ceramics. The Ishigaki Island Pottery Festival, held annually by the Ishigaki Island Pottery Festival Executive Committee, is a popular event that attracts many pottery enthusiasts. Additionally, the "Yaeyama Islands Pottery Studio Tour - A Journey to Experience Island Life and Pottery," distributed at each studio and the city hall, is a map introducing pottery studios throughout the Yaeyama Islands, allowing visitors to enjoy a studio tour and find their favorite pieces.
"Kobo Taniike," which exhibits at the "Ishigaki Island Pottery Festival" every year, is a pottery studio located in Yonehara, Ishigaki Island. Sachie Taniike, originally from Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, grew up familiar with clay from a young age, under the care of parents who were involved in the tile-making industry.
Having always loved the sea, Taniike was captivated by the rich natural beauty of Ishigaki Island and moved there in 2000. After working for several years in a pottery workshop, he became independent and in 2008 established his own workshop in Yonehara, Ishigaki Island, with the mountains as a backdrop and a view of the sea, where he dedicates himself to pottery making every day.
"I think the biggest appeal is being able to create things in an environment like Ishigaki Island," says Taniike.
In Ishigaki Island, ceramic artists like Mr. Taniike, who have moved from all over Japan, are diligently pursuing their creative activities in their own unique styles. Their diverse backgrounds and the free pursuit of their own styles are a charm unique to Ishigaki Island. Some workshops even research and reproduce 18th-century pottery.
"I want to use materials from Ishigaki Island as much as possible for making pottery, so I go to the mountains to dig up clay, and for glaze, I get sugarcane and palm leaf ash that was used as firewood from a nearby shop that makes brown sugar and salt."
The clay that was dug up
Glaze raw materials found on the island
Tools used in pottery making
"I love the sea, of course, but more than anything, I love the deep green and humid atmosphere of Okinawa's mountains and forests," says Taniike, and you can truly feel the breath of subtropical nature itself in her pottery.
With its rough, earthy texture and simple design, this tableware makes any dish look appealing and brings happiness to your daily meals.
Topped with Mont Blanc made with purple sweet potatoes from Ishigaki Island.
"My goal is to create various types of glazes using readily available materials. The most enjoyable part is imagining what kind of pottery I can make with them."
profile
Sachie Taniike
Born in 1974 on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
Growing up with parents who ran a roofing business, he became familiar with clay from a young age.
Moved to Ishigaki Island in 2000 and began production.
Established a workshop in Maibara in 2008.
We strive to create simple, easy-to-use tableware that also makes food look appealing.
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