Seto-yaki (瀬戸焼) is produced around the cities of Seto and Owariasahi, in Aichi Prefecture. Seto is one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, along with Bizen, Echizen, Shigaraki, Tamba and Tokoname. The origin of Seto ware goes back to the beginning of the 19th century. A potter from Seto brought the porcelain process from Kyushu back to his hometown. Local artisans then learned the Chinese-style art of painting and developed ceramic painting depicting Seto’s scenery and nature. By the end of the 19th century, Seto ware had become highly prized in the west and even influenced the Art Nouveau movement in Europe. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the production of this most valued of Japanese pottery prospered and comprised tableware, tables, lanterns, and flower vases.
The characteristics of Seto ware are its white unglazed pottery and its dyed and refined designs. Local raw materials are used: motoyamakibushi clay, motoyamagairo clay and sanage feldspar. The use of dyeing techniques for undercoating is a characteristic feature. Dye is applied directly on ceramics and painted designs are placed onto the unglazed pottery. The most famous dye is asbolite, an indigo blue paint.