Kikuma-gawara are roof tiles made in Kikuma, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. They are fired without glaze and smoked at the end, which gives the surface a distinctive silvery sheen known as 'ibushi-gin' (smoked silver). For this reason they are also called 'ibushi-gawara' (smoked roof tiles). Their origins are traced to the Koan era (1278–1288) of the Kamakura period, and tile making is said to have begun in the time of the Kono clan, a powerful family of Iyo. In the Edo period the craft developed under the protection of the Matsuyama domain, and in the Meiji period Kikuma supplied official roof tiles for the Imperial Palace. The production area is said to have been supported by a warm climate with little rain that made it easy to dry tiles, by good supplies of clay as the raw material and pine for fuel, and by convenient shipping routes. The tiles are durable and resist discoloration, and they have been used on the roofs of houses, shrines and temples. The talismanic onigawara (ogre-faced ridge-end tiles) are also well known and can be seen on the roofs of homes, temples and shrines around the town. In 1980 (Showa 55), Kikuma-gawara was designated a Traditional Specialty Product (designated by Ehime Prefecture). At Kawara-kan in Kawara no Furusato Park, visitors can see exhibits on the history of the tiles and try making something from tile clay.
Origin
Kikuma-gawara is said to have begun about 750 years ago, in the Koan era of the Kamakura period. According to the chronology of the Kikuma Town Ceramic Industry Cooperative, in 1278 tile makers took part in construction work for the Kono clan and supplied tiles for its castle. The chronology records that in 1573 (Tensho 1), Ikkan Shonin, who had been involved in building Azuchi Castle, visited Kikuma and passed on a method of making tiles with wooden molds. In 1604 (Keicho 9), at the beginning of the Edo period, Kikuma is said to have supplied tiles when Kato Yoshiaki built Masaki Castle (Masaki Town, Iyo District) and Katsuyama Castle (present-day Matsuyama Castle).
History
In the Edo period, with encouragement from the Matsuyama domain, production grew so much that a kawara-kabu (tile-making license) system was established in 1777 (An'ei 6). It is also said that the number of kilns was limited to 27 to prevent a decline in quality. Kikuma also supplied tiles for the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Matsuyama Castle, and its markets extended beyond Edo and Osaka to Taiwan, Korea and China. Some sources say the official tiles for the Imperial Palace were delivered in 1883 (Meiji 16), while others give 1884. In 1980 the tiles became a prefectural Traditional Specialty Product, and in 2007 they were registered as a Regional Collective Trademark.
Features
Without using glaze or paint, the tiles are smoked at the end of firing to give them a silver finish. They are said to have a beautiful sheen, to be sturdy and to resist discoloration. Other features cited include high heat insulation, which keeps houses cool in summer and warm in winter, and low water absorption with good drainage. A wide variety of tile types allows for a broad range of roof designs, and the tiles have been used widely on Japanese-style houses, shrines and temples. Today they are fired in modern gas kilns.
Techniques
Ibushi (Smoking)
In this final stage of firing, air is shut off from the kiln and the tiles are steam-baked. Hydrocarbon gas comes into contact with the tiles and forms a silvery carbon film on the surface. This film creates the 'ibushi-gin' color and sheen of Kikuma-gawara and makes the tiles resistant to discoloration.
Onigawara (Ogre-Faced Ridge-End Tiles)
These talismanic tiles are set at the ends of a roof's ridge, and craftsmen who specialize in making onigawara and decorative tiles are called onishi. At 遍照院 (Henjoin) temple in Kikuma, onigawara are enshrined in the temple gate in place of Nio guardian statues, and 光野貫一郎 is known as a master onishi.
Materials Used
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Artisans & Workshops
かわらや菊貞（小泉製瓦）
A roof tile maker in Hama, Kikuma, described as having been in business for 300 years. While making traditional roof tiles, 小泉信三, the 10th generation, launched the '菊貞' brand, which produces tableware and sake vessels fired hard at high temperatures, kawara tiles (tiles made like roof tiles) that make use of the varying shades of smoking, and more.
Official site →How to Buy
- Gallery of かわらや菊貞
- At the gallery at 13-1 Hama, Kikuma, visitors can buy vessels and ornaments that make use of tile-making techniques. A feature article listed Chinese zodiac ornaments from 1,000 yen and flat plates from 2,000 yen. Because it closes irregularly, it is necessary to call ahead to confirm.Where to buy →PR
- Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area
- Kurushima Kaikyo SA, on the Imabari side of the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido, is said to carry 菊貞-brand coasters, miniature onigawara, talismanic ema (votive plaques) and more.
Hands-on Experiences
瓦のふるさと公園 かわら館
愛媛県今治市菊間町浜3067
A museum exhibiting the history and production methods of Kikuma-gawara as well as onigawara works, with a restored daruma kiln outdoors. Admission is 210 yen for adults, and it is closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday). In the workshop building, visitors can try making things from tile clay, with prices said to start at 710 yen.
View details →かわらや菊貞
愛媛県今治市菊間町浜13-1
In the gallery, visitors can make ornaments, hand and footprints, and sake vessels from tile clay with guidance from a craftsman. A sake vessel with an onigawara on its base, called '酒鬼,' is said to be popular. The gallery is open from about 10:00 to 16:00 and closes irregularly, so it is necessary to call ahead to confirm.
View details →FAQ
Q. Why did roof tile making flourish in Kikuma?
A. One reason is the warm climate with little rain, which was suited to drying tiles. Other reasons cited are good-quality clay as the raw material, ample pine for fuel, and a location facing the Seto Inland Sea that made transport by ship easy. Many tile factories can still be seen along the coast today.
Q. Why is Kikuma-gawara silver even though no glaze is used?
A. At the end of firing, the kiln is sealed and the tiles are smoked, forming a carbon film on their surface. This film shines silver when it catches the light, producing the shade known as 'ibushi-gin.' The film is also said to make the tiles resistant to discoloration.
Q. Where can I see onigawara in Kikuma?
A. Besides the roofs of homes, temples and shrines, onigawara are enshrined in the gate of 遍照院 (Henjoin) temple in place of Nio guardian statues. There is a giant onigawara monument beside the entrance of 菊間総合体育館 (Kikuma General Gymnasium), and Kawara no Furusato Park even has a roller slide that sends you out through the mouth of an onigawara.