Kobizen refers to the early Bizen ware. Bizen ceramics have been produced since the Shang dynasty, and there are many kiln sites in the Kumayama mountains near here. The kiln was built during the Oei period (1394-1428) and remained until the beginning of the Meiji period (1868-1912). Kobizen” refers to pottery made before the Tensho period, and master craftsmen such as Rokubei Nikkatsuki are known for their work. However, some of the master tea potters are said to have traveled to Kyoto, Ibe, Shigaraki, Seto, and other areas. Kobizen is unglazed shimeyaki ware that is described as Namban style, with variations such as fire stick, pine needle burn, and enoki bark. In later periods, glazed wares also appeared, and some of them seem to have lost their old-fashioned taste.
