Maruasa Porcelain Factory

Maruasa Porcelain Factory, located in Tajimi City, Gifu, is a renowned porcelain factory with roots tracing back to 1916.

Tajimi city is part of the Mino region, which has a 1300-year legacy of ceramic craftsmanship. The company has upheld this tradition for over a century, specialising in high-quality coffee and tea cups and saucers. Under the passionate leadership of the fourth-generation owner, Mr. Matsubara, they bring customers’ visions to life, creating durable, beautifully crafted pieces meant to be cherished for generations.

Discovering Maruasa Porcelain Factory

Those who know me well know that I love diving deep into research. Creating our original cups demanded a lot of dedication, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I wasn’t focused on specific production areas but sought a ceramic maker specializing in OEM who could fulfill customer requests with high-quality results. Relying on online information from Australia, I read many articles about cup production and discovered Maruasa Porcelain Factory. Their commitment to craftsmanship, ability to realise customer ideas, and capacity to handle small orders stood out to me. This led me to engage them for our project, and as I communicated with them, my confidence in their capabilities only grew.

- Neatly organised and well maintained factory space

Opening Doors: Our Initial Visit

It was two years ago when I first visited Maruasa Porcelain Factory. By that time, we had already begun working on producing mugs, with me based in Australia. During a buying trip to Gifu in 2022, I took the opportunity to visit them in person, accompanied by my sisters, their families, and even their young children. While bringing children along to an on-site meeting might not be ideal, the fourth-generation owner, Mr. Matsubara, was incredibly kind, not only making time to meet us during the busy Golden Week holiday but also warmly accommodating the children.

During our visit, we finalised the key aspects of the Toka mugs, such as the design of the handle and the colour of the glaze. Mr. Matsubara also took the time to explain how the local geography and soil of Gifu make it an ideal region for ceramics and shared the history and origins of Mino ware. We were given a tour of the factory, where Mr. Matsubara walked us through each stage of the production process, from preparing the clay and glaze to shaping and firing the pieces.

This visit left me with a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition at Maruasa Porcelain Factory, reinforcing the trust and respect I have for their work. 

Craftsmanship and Philosophy

When you step into Maruasa Porcelain Factory, you’re greeted by rows of cups crafted over the years, each one a testament to the company’s dedication to blending tradition with innovation. Above, a small gondola glides slowly through the space, while large machines and kilns work steadily, ensuring each product is made with precision. As the fourth-generation owner, Mr. Matsubara, puts it, “We rely on machines for what they do best, but adjustments and final touches always need a skilled hand. Our aim is to create an environment where our craftsmen can focus on what truly matters.”

- The process of hand-glazing each piece, one by one.

- Attaching handles to each cup, these skilled workers bring over 20 years of experience. Only the most trusted are given this delicate task.

One of Maruasa’s standout techniques is their reduction firing process, which lasts 24 hours at 1300°C. This method gives their porcelain exceptional strength and durability, making it ideal for everyday use at home or as sturdy commercial-grade tableware. The factory's dedication to craftsmanship is evident in their careful selection of raw materials and the meticulous attention given to each stage of production, ensuring that every piece meets their high standards. Thire philosophy is to bring richness and joy through every cup they produce. While they have handled a diverse range of ceramics over their 100-year history, they now specialise in crafting cups and mugs. Their focus on these pieces allows them to refine their techniques and deliver products that embody both beauty and functionality.

- Carefully positioned and lined up, ready for firing.

From their mastery of traditional techniques to their vision of creating pieces that fit modern life, Maruasa Porcelain Factory continues to produce ceramics that are both durable and beautiful.

Looking Ahead

Our visit to Maruasa Porcelain Factory was an incredible opportunity to deepen our understanding of ceramics and the intricate process behind each product. We look forward to nurturing our ongoing relationship and collaborating with them in the future.

I’m truly grateful for the trust Maruasa Porcelain Factory has placed in us to bring their exquisite products to Australia, allowing our local customers to enjoy them.