<論説>平安初期における鉛釉陶器生産の変質

Abstract

古代窯業生産において最も工程を要する生産物に鉛釉陶器がある。鉛釉陶器生産は、弘仁年間、九世紀初め頃に生産地の拡散・生産内容の変質・生産量の増大といった大きな変貌を遂げる。本稿は、この平安初期における鉛釉陶器生産の変質過程を跡付けながら、その歴史的背景を追及することに目的を置いている。検討の結果、この段階に新たに成立する尾張と長門の生産地は、中央主導の形で畿内から技術導入されていることを確認した。そして、従来議論の分かれていた「弘仁瓷器の伝習記事」は工人を畿内で技術教習し、その工人を派遣して尾張や長門へ緑釉技術の移植を図るという過程の重要な一段階を示すものであり、それは『延喜式』にみられる年料雑器の中央への収取と直結するものであると考えた。また、その背景としては種々想定されるが、なかでも筆者は弘仁期の儀式整備の流れを重要視し、国家的な儀式や饗宴における使用を主目的に唐風文化を体現する高級食器としての位置づけが嵯峨朝段階で新たに鉛釉陶器に付与され、その国家的な需要が生産の転換に導いたものと判断した。

The production of lead-glazed ware (three-color and green-glazed ware) reqired the most complicated process in the ceramic industry of ancient Japan. Production changed considerably in Konin (弘仁) era, the first quarter of 9th century. First, production of green-glazed ware spread beyond the Kinai area to Owari and Nagato provinces. Second, new types of green-glazed ware started to be produced, the main products being bowls and dishes. Third, the production increased, the products being supplied to public sites all over Japan. These are important characteristics which distinguish production of Heian lead-glazed ware from that of Nara ware. In this paper, lead-glazed ware production in Konin and the historical background of this transformation are considered. The production techniques in Owari and Nagato are re-examined. It is clear that these are identical and was introduced from the Kinai area. Furthermore, this technique was not introduced by chance, but was transplanted intentionally by the central government. An article in part of the official history of the state, "Nihon-koki", is discussed. Although the article is so brief that its interpretation is in dispute, it does seem to suggest that craftsmen in Owari mastered the technique of glazed-ware in the 6th year of Konin (815 AD), and further, that they were taught the technique at a factory managed by the central government in Kinai, subsequently being dispatched to Owari and Nagato. A possible purpose of this transplantation was the procurement of 'miscellaneous vessels for annual provision', "Nenryo- Zakki ", as listed in the code of the ministry of financial affairs, "Engiminbu-sho shiki ". Concerning the historical background of this transplantation, several reasons are suggested. Many historical documents describe glazed ware as tableware for national ceremonies and feasts. National ceremonies and feasts were frequently re-arranged in Konin era, and it is concluded that production of new style lead-glazed ware and increase in production were linked with these re-arrangements, and that the transplantation was made necessary by the inability of the factory in Kinai to meet these new demands.