MIKAWACHI PORCELAIN
The discovery of Amakusa clay and its blending with Aijiro clay from Hario Island in the early years of the 1600s, marked the beginnings of Mikawachi-yaki, one of the whitest and smoothest porcelains in the world. The Mikawachi white clays were found highly desirable for making fine porcelain, and were soon applied to the manufacture of the highest quality sometsuke, or blue & white ware. Mikawachi porcelain, and especially its blue & white china, was eventually popularised throughout Japan and entered Europe through the Dutch trade with Kyushu. To the Europeans this category of porcelain became known as Hirado China, named after the trading island off northern Kyushu and the origin of the largest clan in the Mikawachi area.

The traditions of Mikawachi-yaki survive to this day, and their porcelain dearly treasured by collectors everywhere. The ceramic materials used at Mikawachi are of the very highest quality. Traditional hand-making practices prevail at most kilns, skills that have been passed down through generations of talented potters. In addition to their strong some-tsuke tradition, there are other minor wares, both old and modern, alive in the Mikawachi potteries. The Utsutsugawa Hakeme wares for example are made at Mikawachi. This kind of ware uses dark iron-based glazes over the porcelain body: the White Heron pattern being the most distinguished of the Hakeme wares. Sukashibori or perforated porcelains made using fine engraving techniques. Also found at Mikawachi is Aamime-yaki, otherwise simply referred to as Mesh Porcelain, and produced using strings of porcelain clays to construct the ware. All of these different kinds of porcelain require great knowledge of the material as well as artistry in the main crafts of turning, engraving and hand-painting. Pottery skills that are only acquired through many years of training.

HANDCRAFTED PORCELAIN
The current list of porcelain teacups and teapots are among the very best handmade wares that still continue to be made in Japan. We have chosen our tea-ware from the Hirado Kosho Kiln in Mikawachi, a historic kiln and one of the most highly acclaimed in the country. Formerly the Hirado clan operated the official kiln, and over modern times they have supplied the Imperial household with karako porcelain. The kiln is famous for its practical wares in special clear white china. Their rendition of the modern karako pattern is loved by many collectors of fine china. The Kosho kiln is known for other blue & white patterns as well; most notably the old turnip pattern, a reputed symbol of prosperity. The turnip pattern is an old design, celebrated for its striking and bold brush strokes. The kiln is also renowned for its Chrysanthemum pattern as well.

Listed here is a selection of the finest porcelain tea-ware originating from the Hirado Kosho Kiln. All are handmade and highly original pieces, creatively designed and functional tea-ware. Each piece carrying the official mark of the kiln. It is an opportunity for tea enthusiasts & fine porcelain collectors alike to acquire some of the very finest blue & white china tea-ware still in production.

Note: All items are shipped by EMS from Japan. Most pieces in this listing are made to order, so please be patient and allow four weeks for delivery. With your order please e-mail us for further delivery information.