Descripción
A Rare Oni-Gawara Tile, Crafted by One of Japan’s Few Traditional Artisans
The Tabletop Oni-Gawara Tile Series features a standard design of the iconic 'Oni Men-Mask,' compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand. This piece is perfect as a decorative item for your home or office, providing a unique symbol of protection. Oni-Gawara tiles are traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits, making them a meaningful and thoughtful gift.
The product is made from "Awaji Kawara" (Awaji Roof Tiles), known for their distinctive smoky silver finish. The material used is 100% natural clay sourced from Awaji Island, which is formed by skilled artisans using soil that dates back approximately 2 million years.
Please note:
- As each product is handmade and fired individually, slight variations in size and weight may occur.
- The actual color of the product may differ from the images due to the nature of the clay and firing process.
- Due to the ceramic nature of the product, please handle with care to avoid chips or cracks.
Product Dimensions:
- Width: 120 mm
- Height: 100 mm
- Weight: 540 g
Materials: Clay (Awaji Island’s natural soil)
Brand Overview:
Tatsumi Co., Ltd. is a traditional tile manufacturer based in the Tsui district of Minami Awaji City on Awaji Island, Japan. For centuries, this area has been renowned for its tile industry, and Tatsumi continues to honor this heritage while creating new value through innovative designs and craftsmanship.
History of Awaji Kawara (Awaji Tiles):
Awaji Kawara dates back to 1610, when craftsman Shimizu Rihei brought tile-making techniques to Awaji Island while building castles in the region. The clay used to produce these tiles is known for its superior quality, resulting in durable and beautifully finished products. Tatsumi Co. is now one of Japan’s leading producers of "Ibushi Kawara" (smoke-fired tiles), and the company's output is among the highest in the nation.
Tatsumi’s Artistry:
Tatsumi's artisans specialize in creating decorative tiles such as Oni-Gawara tiles, which have historically adorned the roofs of shrines and temples, believed to guard against evil spirits. Today, Tatsumi is one of the few companies in Japan still handcrafting Oni-Gawara tiles, a practice requiring advanced skill and a deep understanding of traditional techniques.
Unique Craftsmanship:
Using clay from ancient geological layers, Tatsumi’s tiles boast a smooth, fine texture and are fired to a beautiful silver-gray finish without the use of glaze. Each piece is crafted individually, resulting in one-of-a-kind products that reflect both tradition and modern design.
Tatsumi Co., Ltd. continues to preserve this ancient craft while adapting to modern tastes, offering traditional roof tiles as well as interior and decorative items that bring the rich history of Japanese craftsmanship into contemporary homes. Every piece reflects the legacy of Japan’s cultural heritage.