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History of Mikawachi Pottery
The pride of Sasebo, Mikawachi Pottery has a history that goes back almost 400 years and is designated as Japan's traditional work of art. At the end of the 16th century, the 26th Lord Hirado, Shigenobu Matsuura brought home potters including Koseki from the Korean Peninsula. However, since it was not possible to obtain the soil suitable for white porcelain in Hirado, Koseki and his son Sannojo Imamura traveled in search of the porcelain stone for producing quality porcelain clay, and Mikawachi was the place where they settled down. As luxury items for gifts continued to be produced by Mikawachi Pottery as the Hirado Clan's favorite potter since then, its sophisticated molding and glazing techniques were developed. Karakoe (Chinese image) that is the hallmark of Mikawachi Pottery is called Kenjo Karako and it depicts Chinese children innocently frolicking with butterflies under pine trees on beautiful white porcelain. The porcelain was used for different purposes: As gifts for the imperial court or the Shogun (seven Chinese children), housewares for the clan lords or gifts for various Daimyos (five Chinese children), and for samurais (three Chinese children). The techniques of Mikawachi Pottery has been passed down to today, and pieces made using the traditional technique including Karakoe and Sukashibori (carved openwork) are still being produced today. |
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＜Sasebo Utsuwa Museum＞
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The museum introduces the history of vessels that have changed from earthenware to ceramic and porcelain through video and models in an easy to understand manner. Descriptions are also given in Korean, Chinese and English. Admission is free.
□289-1, Mikawachihommachi, Sasebo City
□Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
□Closed: Dec 29 - Jan 3 |
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＜Mikawachiyaki Traditional Craft Center (Mikawachi Pottery Museum)＞
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Museum of Mikawachi pottery. Many superb pieces from the Hirato Clan period are exhibited including the pieces by contemporary pottery masters.
 Descriptions are only provided in Japanese but the pamphlets are available in other languages. Here you can try your hand at decorating a plate, teacup or mug for ￥650 (postage required for having the finished item posted after 10 to 15 days.) Booking is essential if booking a session for more than ten people. Admission is free. |
□343, Mikawachihommachi, Sasebo City
□Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
□Closed: Dec 29 - Jan 3
■Official Website: http://www.mikawachi-utsuwa.net/ |
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＜Mikawachi Tojiki Bukna Center＞
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Mikawachi pottery can be purchased at this center. The Bargain Wagon Sale held on Saturday and Sunday is very popular.
□289-1, Mikawachihommachi, Sasebo City
TEL0956-30-7728・30-7669 FAX0956-30-7669
□Open 10:00 - 17:00
■Official Website: http://www.mikawachiyaki.com/ |
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＜Mikawachi Pottery Market＞ Mid October
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Every mid October, the Pottery Market is held in the plaza in front of the Mikawachiyaki Dento Sangyo Kaikan. The spacious market can accommodate pushchairs and wheelchairs. You can buy pottery at prices substantially lower than the market price, while enjoying the exchange between the shop keepers and shoppers. There are plenty of bargains including seconds and samples. Why not enjoy the pleasure of finding your own masterpiece? |
□Transport: Short walk from Mikawachi-Shishomae stop on Saihi Bus.
10min walk from Mikawachi Stn. on JR Sasebo Line.
□Information: Mikawachi Tojiki Kogyo Kyodo Kumiai TEL0956-30-8311 |
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＜Mikawachiyaki Hamazen Festival＞ May 1 – 5
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You can enjoy touring the potteries while going through the atmospheric streets set in Mt. Mikawachi Sarayama. The potteries hold variety of events such as Raku pottery, potter's wheel experience and tea ceremony.
□Venue: All around Mt. Mikawachi Sarayama
□Information: Mikawachiyaki Traditional Craft Center
TEL 0956-30-8311 |
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