Journeys in Japan

S09E11 Following a Samurai Tea Master

Oribe ware, a unique style of pottery, emerged in Japan in the late 16th century. Characterized by its irregular shapes, vibrant colors, and quirky designs, it presented a strikingly modern aesthetic that continues to captivate today. This pottery style is linked to the samurai warlord Furuta Oribe, who, amid a time of civil unrest, rose to prominence as a tea master and connoisseur. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, David Wells journeys through Kyoto, Gifu, and Osaka, exploring Furuta Oribe's legacy and uncovering the origins of Oribe ware.