1.
pottery; ceramics; earthenware
Vessels and objects made from clay and fired in a kiln. In the strict sense, refers to earthenware (fired at lower temperatures, somewhat porous) as opposed to porcelain (磁器), but in common usage can refer to ceramics in general.
この陶器は手作りだ。
This pottery is handmade.
陶器市で気に入った茶碗を買った。
I bought a rice bowl I liked at the pottery market.
日本には有田焼や備前焼など有名な陶器の産地がたくさんある。
Japan has many famous pottery production areas, such as Arita ware and Bizen ware.
Compound of 陶 (pottery/clay) + 器 (vessel/utensil).
Strictly speaking, 陶器 (earthenware) and 磁器 (porcelain) are different: 陶器 is fired at lower temperatures and has a warmer, rougher texture, while 磁器 is fired at higher temperatures and is smooth and translucent. Together they are called 陶磁器.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 陶器市 (pottery market/fair)
- 陶器の皿 (ceramic plate)
- 陶器を焼く (to fire pottery)
Famous Japanese pottery styles include 有田焼, 瀬戸焼, 備前焼, and 益子焼.