Hidasuki
Hidasuki is the vivid scarlet cord-like markings seen on Bizen ware. Before firing, rice straw is wrapped around the piece; in the flame, minerals in the straw react with the iron-rich clay and leave crimson "cord" (tasuki) lines on the pale, unglazed surface. It is a signature effect of hiiro (scarlet flame color) in yakishime (unglazed high-fired) japanese pottery, treasured for the calm contrast of red against a quiet, earthen ground.
FAQ about Hidasuki
Q1. How are the red hidasuki lines made?
Rice straw is wrapped around the piece before firing; in the flame, its minerals react with the clay to leave scarlet lines. They are not painted on — they are born naturally in the kiln.
Q2. Which region is hidasuki associated with?
Above all it is a signature of Bizen ware, where the scarlet cord pattern stands out vividly against the pale, unglazed yakishime surface.