Hasami ware
🏛️ National Cultural Property
This craft is recognized as an official cultural property at the national level.
🌿 Living Tradition
This craft continues to be practiced today and remains part of the community’s cultural life.
Hasami ware (波佐見焼, Hasami-yaki) refers to a type of Japanese pottery produced in and around the town of Hasami in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Known for its durable yet refined porcelain, Hasami ware has been a staple of everyday tableware in Japan since the early 17th century. It is especially noted for its blue-and-white decoration, mass-production techniques, and its role in making porcelain more widely accessible.
History
Hasami ware production began around 1599, during the Azuchi–Momoyama period, following the introduction of ceramic techniques by Korean potters who were brought to Japan. The nearby region of Arita was already becoming known for porcelain, and Hasami developed in parallel, often producing wares that were exported under the Arita name.
In the Edo period, Hasami ware became widely distributed throughout Japan thanks to the region’s advantageous location and trade routes. Its affordability and practicality contributed to its popularity among common households, while some pieces were also made for export to Europe via the Dutch East India Company.
Characteristics
Hasami ware is predominantly porcelain, though some early pieces were made of stoneware. Its defining features include:
- White porcelain decorated with cobalt blue underglaze.
- Simple, practical forms designed for daily use.
- Later adoption of polychrome and transfer-printing techniques, making production more efficient.
The ware is often considered less ornate than Imari or Kutani porcelains, emphasizing instead utility and mass availability. This practicality led to its reputation as "the porcelain of the people."
Modern production
Today, Hasami continues to produce a wide variety of porcelain goods, ranging from traditional bowls and plates to contemporary tableware and design pieces. Local artisans collaborate with modern designers to keep the craft relevant while preserving traditional methods. Hasami ware is also promoted through cultural festivals and local tourism initiatives in Nagasaki Prefecture.
See also
References
- Cort, Louise Allison. Shigaraki, Potters’ Valley. Kodansha International, 1979.
- Impey, Oliver. Japanese Export Porcelain: Catalogue of the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. Hotei Publishing, 2002.
External links
- Hasami ware official promotion site (in Japanese)
- Hasami ware overview (Nippon Kichi)
