Miyajima-yaki is pottery fired in Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi City, on the shore across from Miyajima. Because sand from beneath the main sanctuary (Gohonden) of Itsukushima Shrine is mixed into the clay before firing, it is also called 'Osuna-yaki' (お砂焼 or 御砂焼). It is said to have originated from an Edo-period custom of carrying the shrine's sand as a protective charm to pray for a safe journey. It is not showy, but its appeal lies in a simple, warm and graceful texture. Clay mixed with sand readily undergoes yohen (kiln transformation) in the kiln, producing patterns that are never the same twice. Many designs feature autumn maple leaves, a symbol of Miyajima, and flower vases, tea utensils, everyday tableware, chopstick rests and more are made. It has also long been popular as a souvenir for visitors to Miyajima. In 1991 (Heisei 3), it was designated a Hiroshima Prefecture-designated Traditional Craft, and today kilns in Miyajimaguchi carry on the tradition.
Origin
Travelers from Aki Province received sand from beneath the main sanctuary of Itsukushima Shrine as an 'osuna-mamori' (sand amulet) and carried it with them to pray for a safe journey. It is said that there was a custom called 'osuna-gaeshi' (returning the sand), in which those who came back safely added sand from the places they had visited and returned double the amount. It is also said that after returning home they made earthenware with that sand and offered it before the deity. In time, ritual vessels for the shrine's festivals came to be made from clay mixed with the sand, and because sacred sand was used, they came to be called 'Osuna-yaki' (御砂焼) or '神砂焼' (sacred-sand ware). As for when firing began, one theory places it around the Tenmei and Kansei eras and another in the Bunsei era.
History
In the Edo period, it became known throughout Japan with the encouragement of the Hiroshima Domain, but it is said that it did not last long once the domain's power weakened. It was revived in the mid-Meiji era, and its present foundations were established. At the end of the Meiji era, the 川原 family opened a kiln in Miyajimaguchi, and in Taisho 1 (1912), 山根対厳堂 was founded. The first-generation 山根興哉 (Yamane Kosai) is said to have adopted techniques from Kyo-yaki and Hagi-yaki and also made items for the rituals of Itsukushima Shrine. 川原厳栄堂 and 山根対厳堂 in 1991, and 圭斎窯 in 2013, were designated by the prefecture as manufacturers of this Prefecture-designated Traditional Craft.
Features
The amount of sand mixed into the clay is said to be very small and impossible to discern by sight. Mixing in sand makes yohen more likely to occur, producing natural variations in glaze colors and patterns. Some kilns have devised designs characteristic of Miyajima, such as 'momiji-mon' (maple-leaf pattern), in which a real maple leaf is pressed against the vessel to transfer its veins. Besides everyday tableware, works associated with faith and prayer on Miyajima have also been created, such as vessels whose glaze uses ash from the 'Kiezu no Hi' (Eternal Flame) handed down at Daisho-in Temple on Miyajima.
Techniques
Kneading in the sacred sand
Sand from beneath the main sanctuary of Itsukushima Shrine is kneaded into the clay, and the vessel is formed. At 山根対厳堂, the sand from beneath the main sanctuary is mixed into the clay after prayers have been offered over it at the shrine. The amount of sand is very small, but it makes yohen more likely during firing.
Momiji-mon (maple-leaf pattern)
A technique in which the maple-leaf design symbolizing Miyajima is transferred to vessels using real maple leaves. Fresh leaves are pressed on one at a time, transferring even the veins. It is known as a representative series of 山根対厳堂.
Materials Used
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Artisans & Workshops
山根対厳堂
Founded in 1912 (Taisho 1), it is the official purveyor kiln of Itsukushima Shrine and is led by the third-generation 山根興哉. Besides momiji-mon, it makes vessels glazed with ash from the Kiezu no Hi and other works. Its candle holder won the Hiroshima Good Design Award in 2015. As of October 2026, its painting experience has temporarily stopped taking new reservations.
Official site →川原厳栄堂
A kiln described as having been founded in 1909 (Meiji 42), located very close to JR Miyajimaguchi Station. Carrying on the tradition of Osuna-yaki, it mainly offers everyday tableware such as plates, bowls, rice bowls, teacups and sake vessels. A tourist guide notes that Miyajima-yaki chopstick rests start from 330 yen each.
宮島御砂焼 圭斎窯
A kiln designated by Hiroshima Prefecture as a manufacturer of Miyajima-yaki in 2013 (Heisei 25). It is listed alongside 川原厳栄堂 and 山根対厳堂 on the prefecture's page introducing its Traditional Crafts. It is located in Miyajimaguchi 1-chome, Hatsukaichi City.
How to Buy
- 山根対厳堂's shop and official website
- In addition to its shop in Miyajimaguchi, it introduces its products on its official website. The website lists momiji-mon pieces from 5,000 yen and vessels glazed with Kiezu no Hi ash at 4,200 to 8,000 yen. A notice of price revisions was posted in September 2026, so it is advisable to check the latest prices.Where to buy →PR
- Retailers in Hiroshima City and on Miyajima
- According to Hiroshima City's introduction of 'Hiroshima Brand' (ひろしまブランド), 山根対厳堂's 宮島御砂焼 is sold at places such as そごう広島店 (Sogo Hiroshima), おりづるタワー (Orizuru Tower), 平和公園レストハウス (the Rest House in Peace Memorial Park), Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. It is also available at ひろしまブランドショップTAU (Hiroshima Brand Shop TAU) in Ginza, Tokyo.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
川原厳栄堂 工房見学
広島県廿日市市宮島口1丁目5-15
A tourist guide notes that visitors can tour the workshop attached to the shop. The shop is open from 9:00 to 18:00 (from 10:00 on Sundays and Mondays), but the workshop is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It is best to check the opening status before visiting.
FAQ
Q. Are 'Miyajima-yaki' and 'Osuna-yaki' different things?
A. They are names for the same pottery. Because it uses sand from Itsukushima Shrine, it is also called 'Osuna-yaki' (お砂焼 or 御砂焼), and some kilns sell it under the name '宮島御砂焼' (Miyajima Osuna-yaki). Its name as a Hiroshima Prefecture-designated Traditional Craft is 'Miyajima-yaki.'
Q. How is it different from Miyajima-zaiku?
A. Miyajima-zaiku refers to woodcraft items such as shakushi (rice paddles) and trays, and it is designated a national Traditional Craft. Miyajima-yaki is pottery and a Hiroshima Prefecture-designated Traditional Craft. Both developed as souvenirs for worshippers visiting Miyajima.