Originating in Mitoyo City, Kagawa prefecture, and designated a traditional craft by Kagawa in 1986, is the pottery practice of Okamoto Yaki. This practice begun in the Meiji period and utilises locally sourced iron-rich clay, fired for several days in a climbing kiln. Okamoto wares are not produced using a traditional glaze method (applied before firing). Their decoration, instead, is created from the ash of domestic pine wood coating the vessels during firing. This results in Okamoto ware being ‘breathable’ which is said to be advantageous for drink-wares, cultivating a more ‘mellow’ taste. They are warm in colour (due to the iron-rich clay) and often display variegated and natural designs on their surface.