The Music Played by Pottery

Kannyu-on — The Sound of Crazing

When NINSHU pottery is placed on a shelf or in a cabinet, you may sometimes hear clear, high-pitched sounds such as “kin” or “chin.”
This phenomenon is called Kannyu-on — the sound created when new crazing lines form within the glaze.
Crazing, known as kannyu in Japanese, refers to the fine crack-like patterns created by the difference in shrinkage between the clay body and the glaze. These delicate patterns naturally emerge as part of the character of the pottery.

Kannyu-on occurs most frequently when pottery is removed from the kiln, as this is when the ceramics experience the greatest temperature changes. However, the sound may still occur even years after the piece has been fired.
Some people describe these sounds as if the pottery is speaking or breathing. In spaces surrounded by many ceramic pieces, multiple vessels may resonate together, creating an atmosphere that feels almost like the pottery is performing music together in a quiet session.

Crazing in NINSHU Pottery

Many NINSHU pieces intentionally incorporate crazing both as a traditional technique and as part of the design.
Even the most skilled artisans cannot create identical crazing patterns twice. Each piece develops its own unique appearance — its own individual expression.

Because crazing can continue to develop even after the pottery begins to be used, the patterns gradually change depending on the drinks poured into the vessel, the dishes served upon it, and the environment in which it is kept.
Over time, these evolving patterns become similar to the growth rings of a tree, recording the passage of time and the history of the vessel itself.

We hope those who use NINSHU pottery will enjoy watching these pieces grow and change beautifully over many years.

Pieces Characterized by Beautiful Crazing