Keep it long, treasure it long.

Adding new techniques to tradition

Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture is located in the northern part of Nagasaki Prefecture and has a population of about 250,000. A beautiful landscape is formed by the intersection of 208 large and small islands called "Kujuku Islands" and a cape. Mikawachi ware is a 400-year-old pottery in the city.

The second "traveling vessel" is Hirado ware Mamezara City. In a small palm-sized vessel, you can get a glimpse of the high technology that fascinated the people of 19th century Europe. Enjoy choosing your favorite pattern, enjoy using it in combination, and enjoy using it for various purposes. You will surely find your favorite one from the bean dishes carefully hand-painted by the kiln.

High technology inherited

During the Edo period, Hirado ware was protected by the Hirado domain as a kiln and improved its technique, and the beautiful tableware and craftsmanship caught the hearts of Europeans. It has a history that was so fascinating that it was stored in the British Museum and European museums. From the end of the Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, it was known for its delicate tableware, including purveyors to the Imperial Household Agency. However, nowadays, handicrafts and craftsmanship are being reviewed, and it is a pottery that is attracting attention not only in Japan but also from all over the world.

Techniques that require advanced techniques, such as "openwork" and "egg shell (porcelain made light and thin like an egg shell)", which were born from the history of being protected as a kiln, have been handed down to the present day. The beauty of the dyeing is one of its features. The unique dyeing that is drawn in clear blue color on the white skin, which has been described overseas as "just like a picture", makes use of the shade of Kuresu to create the representative pattern "Karako" of Mikawachi ware. At the beginning, all motifs such as Sansui paintings and flowers are expressed in a lively manner.

One of the kilns of Mikawachi ware, Hirado Toshogo Kogama, was founded in 1637 (Kanei 14) by the first head of the family, Mikawachi Sarayama, a kiln for the Hirado domain. It all started when I participated as one of the five kilns. It is also a kiln that reproduces the ultra-thin porcelain egg shell made by the advanced technology of that time. In recent years, in addition to traditional dyeing, he has produced vessels using new glazes and techniques, and has exhibited his works both in Japan and overseas.

Bean plate that colors your life

It is said that the bean plate originated from a hand-salt plate that is filled with salt, and it appeared on the dining table in the Edo period, and soon it was used not only for salt but also for various things such as soy sauce and condiments. Not only can it be used as a soy sauce dish, but it is also a good size for serving a small amount of pickles, regular dishes, and leftover side dishes the day before. Even if you have a busy meal time in the morning or lunch, having one of your favorites will enrich your meal time.

The design and atmosphere of each kiln is different, but even if the kilns are different, the pottery from the same production area has a strange sense of unity when it comes to the table. There are many auspicious patterns, and it is nice to choose it as a gift with a feeling of celebration and support.