Arita porcelain and white porcelain “Hakumyogi” produced at the Banshang Kiln

Arita-yaki, a specialty of Saga Prefecture, began in the early 1600s when a potter who accompanied Toyotomi Hideyoshi on his expedition to Korea found white porcelain ore in the Arita area. Even today, a visit to Arita Town reveals the many chimneys of the kilns, and the Arita Pottery Market held during Golden Week attracts more than one million tourists. Hisaki Shomura, the sixth generation of Arita-yaki potters , is pursuing a new era of white porcelain and Arita-yaki porcelain with his unique sensibility and techniques.

He says, “There are shades of white in white porcelain. I want to show white within white, and color within white.
Arita-yaki porcelain is generally characterized by white porcelain surface, dyeing painted with gozu (indigo pigment), and gorgeous red painting using glassy overglaze pigments. However, the original white porcelain “Haku-Myo-Gi” created by Mr. Shomura with his unique sensitivity and techniques is completely different from traditional Arita-yaki porcelain. It is not only functional, with mugs, plates, and cups, but also has a beautifully smooth silhouette and a silky hue with a gentle yet florid feel, achieved through the use of a unique glaze. The product has a modern feel that suits not only traditional Japanese-style rooms, but also contemporary Western-style interiors.

I want to create pieces that blend in with modern life while preserving the tradition of Arita-yaki porcelain.

This philosophy is reflected in his works. Born in his hometown, studied in his hometown, and kneaded clay in his hometown. He continues to create his works in his studio, which is located right next to his home. He has developed his own techniques, such as using masking tape. It must require a great deal of determination. However, Mr. Shomura’s works do not show such resolve. The birth of artists like Mr. Shomura, who do not rely on the Arita-yaki brand, will help preserve the tradition that has continued since the time of Hideyoshi.

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Kakiemon’s “red” standing out on the “white” of “nigoshite” K… Picturesque porcelain Kakiemon style porcelain is a type of Imari-yaki where the artists use red paint as a base on white porcelain called ”nigoshite”, and i…

The post Original white porcelain “Shirotaeji” born of a challenge – Hisaki Shomura, 6th generation of Arita-yaki porcelain potter, Bankagama / Arita Town, Saga Prefecture first appeared on NIHONMONO.

Mifuneyama Rakuen, a symbol of nature in Saga

There is the sea, and there are the mountains. In Saga, people’s lives are closely connected to nature. One symbol of this is Mifuneyama Rakuen, a garden in Takeo City, which took three years to create in 1845 as a villa garden for Shigeyoshi Nabeshima, the 28th lord of Takeo in the Saga domain at the time.

Mifuneyama Rakuen is attractive both day and night

When most people think of Japanese gardens, they think of small ponds, artificial mountains, and manicured plants, but the scenery of this Mifuneyama Rakuen is much wilder. Towering before you is the 210-meter-high Mt. As if covering the rugged, undulating rock surface, cherry blossoms bloom in March, azaleas from April, and autumn leaves add color in the fall.
The grounds cover an area of about 150,000 tsubo. A leisurely stroll through the park in the daytime is fine, but at night, when the lights are turned on, the scenery becomes even more magical. The lights are not glittering. Rather, as you stand amid the subdued lights, you are enveloped by the smells of the plants and flowers, and your mood is relaxed and calm.

Mysterious world created by Team Lab

For an even more magical experience, visit the Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel on the grounds. After passing through the automatic entrance door, you will find yourself in a magical world of countless colorful Venetian lamps shimmering and shining. Surrounded by mirrors, the space seems to spread out forever. What should have been a rich natural setting was instantly transformed into a space of art. The dramatic change is so dramatic that it is almost impossible to keep up with it, and it is easy to lose track of where you are.

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One of the Largest Arita Pottery Fairs in Japan

Saga is famous for its ceramics. Arita-yaki, Imari-yaki, Nabeshima-yaki, Karatsu-yaki, Hasami-yaki, and other nationally known production areas are scattered throughout the prefecture. It is said that the production of ceramics in this region flourished because many Korean potters were brought here by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during his invasion of Korea. Many people gather from all over the country for pottery fairs, and the Arita Pottery Fair, said to be one of the largest in Japan, attracts a whopping one million visitors. The sight of so many people, including couples, families, children, and the elderly, happily shopping for pottery is a reminder of the richness of the culture of the land of Saga.

Okochiyama, known as the “home of hidden kilns

Okochiyama is known as the “home of hidden kilns” in Saga Prefecture. To get to this place, which is now maintained as the Nabeshima Clan Kiln Park and crowded with tourists, you must pass through a winding mountain road. Surrounded by mountains on all sides and with a river running through it, the hillside is rich in nature and was the site of domain kilns that produced “Iro-Nabeshima,” “Nabeshima Sometsuke,” and “Nabeshima Celadon” under the strict control of the Nabeshima domain from the 17th to 19th centuries. A large vase adorns the parapet of the bridge at the entrance, and the area around the bridge is decorated with a mosaic of Nabeshima ware. The town’s guide map, which includes a barrier that protected the secret methods of pottery production, the ruins of a climbing kiln, and other historical assets, is also made of pottery. Along the winding slope, brick chimneys and kilns stand side by side, and many pottery stores are located around them.

Arita-yaki, Imari-yaki, and Nabeshima-yaki pottery line Mt.

To the untrained eye, it is difficult to distinguish between Arita-yaki,Imari-yaki, and Nabeshima-yaki, but the works on display exude an unmistakable sense of luxury. It is said that Nabeshima-yaki is characterized by the lack of tea ceremony utensils, the fact that plates were mainly fired, and the underlying patterns painted on the bluish surface of the clay.

Okochiyama, a “hidden kiln village” where visitors can experience pottery in a relaxed atmosphere

Although there are many stores where visitors can try their hand at pottery spinning and painting, it is only the “village of hidden kilns” that attracts visitors to this area. The area is not as crowded as a pottery market, so visitors can experience the charm of pottery in a relaxed atmosphere. Mount Okawachi, with its mountains, rivers, and seasonal flowers. The rich nature of Saga must have given imagination to artisans in ancient times. It is worth a visit for those who want to experience the atmosphere of a kiln that is different from famous production centers.

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Blissful tea time in a “tea room without a roof

The specialty of Ureshino City in Saga Prefecture is Ureshino tea. It is said that tea cultivation techniques were introduced from China during the Muromachi period and began in this region. In early May, just as the harvest begins, visiting Ureshino reveals steam rising from many tea factories, and the fragrant aroma of tea fills the air throughout the town. Typically, tea is produced by farmers who grow the tea leaves, and wholesalers who process and sell the product. However, Soejimaen handles everything from cultivation to sales in-house.

“Ureshino is known for its steamed green tea, which has its roots in kamairicha (pan-fired tea). It is also called guri-cha, meaning ‘tea balls,’ because it looks like balls.”

The fourth-generation owner, Hitoshi Soejima, has been committed to pesticide-free and reduced-pesticide cultivation with an eye on the future of Ureshino tea. He handles everything from packaging design to sales, expanding distribution nationwide.

“Since my father’s generation, we have reduced our cultivation area to focus on pesticide-free and reduced-pesticide farming, and we sell directly to customers to ensure safe and secure tea. Our tea is now used in famous ryokan (traditional inns), and the number of fans is growing.”

Tea house without a roof

Walking through a tea field where harvesting has just begun. From the slopes of the hilltop field at Soejimaen, you can see the town of Ureshino. It was the 88th night of spring, a day when it is said that drinking tea picked on this day will bring good health. The Soejima family was busy picking tea leaves by hand.

“Here, we not only grow green tea but also experiment with black tea. We want to preserve tea culture by trying various things,”

Mr. Fukushima explained as he led me to a “roofless tea house” built in the center of the highest tea field. Under the clear blue sky, I enjoyed the new tea while being gently caressed by the refreshing breeze. The first tea served was warm tea poured into small cups. It was rich in umami and sweetness, with no bitterness or astringency. The second cup was cold tea steeped overnight. Served in a champagne flute, it had a refreshing sweetness. The flavor was deep, and the color was vibrant. It was completely different from the bottled tea sold at convenience stores.

“Tea is a drink whose delicate flavor varies depending on the variety, production method, and how it is brewed. But even though it is as familiar as sake, if not more so, most people don’t know much about it. I want to learn more about Japanese tea.”

The best tea time spent in a “roofless tea room.” Nakata also rediscovered the true power of Japanese tea.

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