Bizen ware (or Bizen-yaki,also called Inbe-yaki) is a type of pottery that is manufactured in Inbe, Bizen District, Okayama Prefecture. It first evolved from Sueki pottery that was made in the Heian period. In the late-Kamakura period, the present brownish-red pottery was fired using an oxidizing firing technique. The pieces made back then are called “kobizen” and are much prized. The development of the tea ceremony made the pottery popular. However in the Edo period, its recognition declined due to the diminishment of the tea cult. During the Showa period, Kaneshige Toyo and others made a challenge to the return of Momoyama-tou pottery. It succeeded, and cultivated the artistry of Bizen ware again and reestablished its popularity. Toyo and his pupil became ‘national treasures’ and the vogue set for Bizen ware. The characteristics of this pottery are a smooth ‘tight’ feel and a strong red color, which come about from the firing technique. No glazes are used and ‘Youhen’ creates various types of surfaces.