Hirado ware: Difference between revisions
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== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Hizen porcelain]] | * [[Hizen porcelain]] | ||
* [[Arita ware]] | * [[Arita ware]] | ||
Revision as of 19:21, 1 October 2025
Hirado ware (also known as Mikawachi ware) is a distinguished type of Japanese porcelain produced primarily in the Mikawachi region of Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Originating in the early 17th century, it flourished under the patronage of the Matsura clan, the daimyō of the Hirado Domain, and is renowned for its fine white porcelain and intricate underglaze blue decoration.
History
The inception of Hirado ware traces back to the Keichō era (1596–1615), during which Korean potters were brought to Japan following the Imjin War. Among these artisans was Geoseki, a master potter from the Kumagawa region, who settled in the Nakano area and established what became known as Nakano ware. His son, Sanojō, later known as Imamura Sanojō, discovered a high-quality kaolin source in Mikawachi around 1637. By 1650, the Hirado Domain consolidated several potting villages, including Mikawachi, into a unified porcelain production centre under Sanojō's leadership :contentReference.
A pivotal advancement occurred in 1712 when a superior kaolin source was identified on the Amakusa Islands, leading to the production of exceptionally white and durable porcelain. This development marked the beginning of the distinctive Hirado ware style, characterised by its translucent white body and refined underglaze blue decoration.
Characteristics
Hirado ware is celebrated for its fine-grained, translucent white porcelain, which allows for detailed modelling and delicate openwork. The predominant decorative technique is sometsuke, featuring cobalt blue underglaze painting that often highlights intricate designs with minimal use of blue, showcasing the purity of the white porcelain.
The repertoire of Hirado ware encompasses a wide range of items, including tableware, incense burners, brush rests, and scholar's desk accessories. Notably, figurines depicting "Chinese boys" (karako) chasing butterflies became emblematic of Hirado ware, with the number of boys depicted often signifying the rank of the recipient, such as seven for the emperor and shōgun, and five for daimyō :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Decline and Revival
The production of Hirado ware experienced a decline in the late 19th century due to changing tastes and the opening of Japan to foreign trade. However, efforts to revive the tradition have been ongoing, with contemporary kilns in the Mikawachi region continuing to produce high-quality porcelain that honours the legacy of Hirado ware :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
