Hagi Ware (Hagi Yaki)

Famous pottery with a characteristic color change called "hagi no nanabake" or "chanare, " and which is referred to in the expression "First Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu," denoting its popularity

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

Yoshiga Taibi Memorial Museum

Address 10426-1 Chinto, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Phone 0838-26-5180
Hours of Operation 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed Wednesdays, Year-end/New Year holidays
Admission Fee Adults: 600 yen, High School / Middle School Students: 300 yen, Elementary School Students: 200 yen
URL http://www.taibi-hagi.jp/

Hagiyaki Shiryokan

Address 502-6 Horiuchi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Phone 0838-25-8981
Hours of Operation 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed
Admission Fee Adults: 500 yen, Children: 300 yen
URL http://hagiyakishiryokan.jp/

Map

Related articles

  1. Inshu Traditional Japanese Paper (Inshu Washi)

  2. Sekishu Roof Tiles (Sekishu-gawara)

  3. Kawajiri Brushes (Kawajiri Fude)

  4. Akama Inkstone (Akama Suzuri)

  5. Kumano Brushes (Kumano Fude)

  6. Katsuyama Bamboo Crafts (Katsuyama Take Zaiku)