The Historical Products of the Chugoku Region

Production Area

Hagi City / Nagato City / etc., Yamaguchi Prefecture

Historical Details and Geographic Characteristics

Hagi ware, also known as Matsumoto ware, originated in the early 17th century when the brothers Ri Shyakko and Ri Kei (both potters), who were brought back from the Korean Peninsula during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion of Korea, opened an imperial kiln in the Matsumoto area east of Hagi Castle. Later, Ri Kei was given the name Saka Koraizaemon by the lord of the domain, and the Saka Kiln continues to maintain its tradition as the head family of Hagi ware today.

In the Meiji period, Hagi ware lost the protection of the domain and its continued existence was threatened, but it grew in fame when Saka Koraizaemon IX and others were honored with awards at the National Industrial Exhibition held from 1877. From the late Meiji through Taisho and Showa periods, there was a growing interest in tea ceremony, especially among the wealthy and women, which resulted in an increase in popularity of traditional Hagi ware tea ceremony ceramics and a revival in the production of a variety of ceramics, including ornaments, accessories, and utensils for daily use. After World War II, as Hagi ware gained a reputation for its tea ceremony ceramics, new kilns were established, and artists increased their creative activities, leading to the current prosperity of Hagi ware.

Main Retailer/Affiliated Museums

• Each pottery, etc. of the Hagi Ceramic Artists Association
• Stores, retail stores, etc. directly managed by potteries (Hagi Tourism Association Official Website)

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