August 16 2024
What is "Mikawachi ware"? Its characteristics, appeal, and information on kilns and pottery markets.
The origins and historical development of Mikawachi ware
Mikawachi ware was introduced to Japan in the latter half of the 16th century during the Toyotomi Hideyoshi era, when many potters were brought from Korea to Japan due to the invasion of Korea, and technicians were also dispersed from Karatsu. During this period, a unique ceramics industry flourished around present-day Sasebo City, especially in Mikawachi, which was protected by the Hirado clan. At first, pottery was mainly made here, but around 1640, white porcelain was discovered by Sannojo Imamura, a son of the potter Koseki, and the production of white porcelain began.
In the Edo period, Mikawachi ware was established as the official kiln of the Hirado clan, and advanced techniques were developed. In particular, the delicate techniques such as openwork carving and omiage were highly praised, and the ceramics were given as gifts to the Edo Shogunate, and became popular as high-quality ceramics that were exported overseas. In the 19th century, it gradually spread into the lives of ordinary people and came to be used in ordinary households.
After the post-war shortages were resolved and the country entered a period of economic growth, the tea ceremony became more popular and the demand for Hagi ware also increased. This brought the pottery back to life. During this period, Sakakura Shinbei, the twelfth generation of Fukagawa ware, and Kyusetsu Miwa, the tenth generation of Matsumoto ware, were designated as intangible cultural assets by the Cultural Properties Protection Committee, and they created their own works using traditional techniques. continued.
The appeal of Mikawachi ware
Mikawachi ware is loved not only in Japan but all over the world, and is made from extremely fine-grained white porcelain that is colored with a blue pigment called gosu. The white porcelain is not only decorated with delicate patterns and pictures, but also made with skillful techniques. This pottery has a simple yet luxurious feel, and is unique in that it fits in any place.
The dyeing of Mikawachi ware originates from the original drawings of Kano school painters, and is said to be ``like a painting.'' By impregnating the brush with a pigment called gosu and adding shading similar to an ink painting, a pattern with three-dimensionality and perspective is created. In other production areas, it is common to use a certain pattern, but traditionally, Mikawachi ware is painted with each stroke of a painting, such as landscapes and flower patterns, like a painting.
The important tool that enables this precise depiction is mainly a brush called the Kumano brush, which is highly praised for its ability to express fine lines. In this way, the tools that support the skills of craftsmen are also attracting attention.
Characteristics of Mikawachi ware
Gosu painting
Traditional painting on Mikawachi ware uses a paint called gosu. First, I draw a sketch, and then add shading on top of it with Gosu. Gosu looks black at first, but when fired it changes to a beautiful blue cobalt color. In this process, the skillful technique shines through.
The specific method is to draw a picture on a white base using Gosu, then cover it with a transparent glaze and fire it. By applying a transparent glaze, the color of Gosu stands out and creates a beautiful blue and white contrast. This painting process requires the craftsman's precise technique and aesthetic sense, and is what gives Mikawachi ware pieces their unique beauty.
Chinese child painting
Karako is a motif depicting a child in Chinese-style clothing and hairstyle, and is the most well-known type of Mikawachi ware. In China, being blessed with many boys is considered a symbol of happiness, and this design has been depicted on craft designs since the Tang Dynasty (8th century).
In Mikawachi, during the Kanbun era (around 1661), Naotoshi Tanaka Yohei, a painter at the official kiln, devised Karako, inspired by the dyeing of the Ming Dynasty. At first, they were drawn freely, but over time they became stylized, and the most well-known image is of Karako playing with butterflies and other things under a pine tree. From the late Edo period to the end of the Edo period, a style that featured a continuous pattern called ``Rinbo'' on the rim of the mouth, and a set of pine, Taiko stone, and peonies became mainstream. The number of Karakos is usually an odd number such as 1, 3, 5, or 7.
After the Meiji period, artists added individuality to Karako, and its expression and appearance changed greatly. Nowadays, friendly and fun Karako statues are also depicted, which are loved as part of the charm of Mikawachi ware.
Openwork
Openwork carving is one of the delicate techniques used in Mikawachi ware, and is known as ``saikumono.'' In this technique, a part of the vessel surface is hollowed out to create a pattern. Holes are punched directly into the base material before it dries, but each hole made becomes unstable, so this work must be done very carefully.
Mikawachi ware uses this openwork technique on its entire surface, and is characterized by carving out the entire surface of the vessel to make it look like the weave of a basket. This technique began in the 17th century during the Edo period, and works with more complex techniques were created in the Meiji and Taisho periods.
Openwork carving, in which white porcelain is finely carved to allow the light and scenery to shine through, is attracting attention as one of the most beautiful and sophisticated pieces of Mikawachi ware.
Representative potteries of Mikawachi ware
Hirado Matsuyama Kiln
This pottery has its ancestor "Koraibaba", which is enshrined at Mikawachi Tenmangu Shrine, and has been making Karako vessels, a representative of Mikawachi ware, since the Edo period. At Matsuyama Kiln, in addition to traditional patterns such as Karako-e, Shonzui patterns, and arabesque patterns, we are also actively working to create a ``new tradition.'' In addition to traditional ``Kenjo Karako,'' we also try to create ``Creative Karako'' that matches modern tastes, and we are also good at craftsmanship. He creates lively works by depicting classic motifs such as lions, elephants, and karako from a new perspective.
Shinwa-an
The pottery is run by brothers Hirohiko Nakazato and Hirotsune, and all processes are done by hand. He is popular on Instagram and has many loyal fans, and when his solo exhibitions are held, there are lines of people waiting from early morning. Mr. Hirohiko uses delicate brushstrokes to create brightly colored patterns, adding color to the table along with the ingredients, and works to create pottery that creates a heart-rich meal time. On the other hand, Mr. Hirotsune aims to create pottery that suits modern lifestyles while preserving the traditional texture of Mikawachi ware. Their works are a fusion of tradition and modernity and are loved by many people.
Contemporary Mikawachi ware
Mikawachi ware is very suitable not only as decorations and tableware for everyday use, but also as a gift. The pictures depicted on the pieces are believed to be good luck charms, and are especially popular as gifts for loved ones. They also produce vases, cute ornaments, coffee cups, etc., and many of them not only have a luxurious feel as traditional crafts, but are also suitable for casual everyday use. Being made of porcelain, it is also easy to clean.
Mikawachi Pottery Market - Mikawachi Pottery Market
``Mikawachiyaki Pottery Market'' is an event held every autumn at the plaza in front of the Mikawachiyaki Museum and Mikawachiyaki Traditional Industry Hall in Mikawachi Honmachi, Japan. At this event, local potteries and trading companies will set up more than 30 special tents and sell more than 500,000 items, ranging from daily necessities to arts and crafts, at bargain prices.
Events unique to the pottery market are also held, and it is crowded with many shoppers. In addition, 3 Sarayamas (Mikawauchi, Kihara, and Enaga), the three major potteries and trading companies of Mikawachi ware, will welcome visitors with a large selection of Mikawachi ware. The pottery market also has the advantage of allowing buyers and sellers to negotiate directly, making it a popular event that makes the purchasing experience even more enjoyable.
summary
Mikawachi ware, which has a luxurious feel and delicate patterns, goes particularly well with Japanese cuisine, and is popular among advanced pottery experts. Why not try incorporating it into your dining table?
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