Do you know what the difference is between earthenware and porcelain? Both are made of natural materials taken from the earth, but the material for porcelain is a kind of stone known as porcelain stone, whereas earthenware is made from clay. Furthermore, porcelain is fired at a higher temperature than earthenware. Porcelain is white, is resistant to water, and produces a clear, metallic sound when struck, but earthenware absorbs water and makes a dull sound. Arita ware is porcelain, being made out of porcelain stone quarried from Izumiyama in Arita. With a history of 400 years, it's said to be the oldest porcelain in Japan.

Earthenware (Agano Ware) © Fukuoka Prefectural Government Tokyo Office