Hasami ware is a type of pottery produced primarily in Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture, known for its combination of practicality and beauty. While its affordable prices and simple designs are attractive and widely used in daily life, the traditions and craftsmanship behind it may not be well known.
This article will introduce the appeal of Hasami ware and its historical background in an easy-to-understand manner.
What is Hasami Ware?
Hasami ware is a traditional type of porcelain that has been produced in Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture, for over 400 years. Pottery stone was discovered in the early 1600s, and during the Edo period, a division of labor system suitable for mass production was introduced, making it widely used in the daily lives of common people. It is characterized by simple and functional designs, typically with blue patterns painted on white porcelain, and became popular in many households due to its affordability.
For many years, Hasami ware was known as “Arita ware” because it was also produced as a subcontractor for Arita ware. However, in recent years, its name has become independent and is gaining recognition both domestically and internationally. Modern Hasami ware, incorporating Nordic-style designs and colorful hues, is also popular, especially among younger generations.
Characteristics and Appeal of Hasami Ware
The main characteristic of Hasami ware is its “durability and ease of use.” Porcelain fired at high temperatures has high hardness, is resistant to breaking, and is less prone to staining, making it suitable for daily use.
In terms of design, many patterns are simple and modern, ranging from traditional white porcelain with blue patterns to colorful and contemporary painted designs.
Historically, it has been evaluated as “folk pottery” for continuously supplying practical tableware for common people since the Edo period by introducing a division of labor system suitable for mass production. It is loved in many households as high-quality yet affordable pottery that is closely tied to daily life.
Reasons Why Hasami Ware is Chosen
The main reasons why Hasami ware is chosen are as follows:
- Durability
- Diversity of designs
- Affordable prices
Its high strength, characteristic of porcelain, making it resistant to breaking even in daily use, is a significant feature. The wide range of designs, from simple to modern and unique patterns, is also part of its appeal.
Furthermore, Hasami ware, while being high-quality porcelain like Arita ware and Imari ware, is often available at affordable prices, making it popular as everyday tableware.
Representative Items of Hasami Ware
Hasami ware is best known for its widely used tableware.
- Rice bowls and tea cups
- Mugs and plates
- Teapots and earthenware pots
Many items have simple and functional designs that suit not only Japanese but also Western cuisine. Mugs and colorful plates adapted to modern lifestyles are also popular.
Modern designs are particularly favored by younger generations. In Japan, where tea culture is deeply rooted, Hasami ware teapots and earthenware pots are also popular.
Uses and Functionality of Hasami Ware
Hasami ware is highly functional pottery suitable for daily use. Due to its high-temperature firing, it is strong and many products can withstand microwave ovens and dishwashers. It is valued in many households for its convenience, which meets the needs of modern homes.
Its versatility is also appealing, with simple designs that can be used not only for Japanese but also Western tableware without feeling out of place, as well as items that serve as condiment containers and storage containers, making it useful in various scenarios.
While preserving tradition, Hasami ware continues to develop products adapted to modern lifestyles, maintaining the traditional beauty of white porcelain and blue patterns while incorporating designs that meet contemporary needs. As such, it continues to attract attention as pottery loved by a wide range of people.
History and Origins of Hasami Ware
Hasami ware is a type of pottery that has developed centered around Hasami Town in Nagasaki Prefecture, with a history spanning over 400 years. Especially during the Edo period, it was widely distributed both domestically and internationally, establishing its position as pottery rooted in the daily lives of common people.
Here, we will take a detailed look at the history of Hasami ware from its birth to the present day, and its relationship with the local economy.
Birth and Early Development of Hasami Ware
Hasami ware was born between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Korean potters brought to Japan during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion of Korea introduced porcelain techniques to the Hizen region (around present-day Saga and Nagasaki Prefectures), and porcelain production began in Hasami Town as well.
The birth of Hasami ware was greatly influenced by the production of high-quality “pottery stone,” the raw material for porcelain, similar to Arita ware at the time. Initially, porcelain was produced using techniques similar to Arita ware, but gradually established its own style by incorporating mass production through a division of labor system and simple, functional designs.
Prosperity of Hasami Ware in the Edo Period
During the Edo period, Hasami ware became widely popular as everyday tableware for common people. While Arita ware was being produced as high-grade porcelain during this period, Hasami ware mass-produced affordable porcelain, meeting the demand of common people.
Particularly famous were small, simple bowls called “kurawanka bowls,” which became representative products of Hasami ware. The name “kurawanka” is said to derive from travelers and workers using them on boats during the Edo period, being called out to with “kurawanka” (meaning “Won’t you eat?”) on board.
Hasami Ware as Export Porcelain
From around the 18th century, Hasami ware also gained attention as an export product and was widely exported to Europe, particularly through the Dutch East India Company. In fact, exports began from the mid-17th century, at the peak of Dutch-Japanese trade, with “Kompura bottles (Dutch bottles)” sent from Nagasaki’s Dejima being a representative product. These were designed for transporting soy sauce and sake and were highly valued in the European market.
Moreover, many of Hasami ware’s export products were simple, practical white porcelain items that gained high popularity in the European market. Combining affordability with excellent functionality, Hasami ware penetrated even the common classes in Europe, playing an important role in enhancing the reputation of Japanese porcelain.
Post-War Revival and Modern Hasami Ware
After World War II, the production of Hasami ware temporarily stagnated but flourished again with post-war reconstruction. Especially with the introduction of mass production technology and strengthened division of labor systems, Hasami ware became more widely available to many people. This led to increased demand both domestically and internationally as inexpensive, high-quality daily items.
In recent years, modern designs through collaborations with young designers and simple, functional products have again attracted attention, gaining popularity especially among young people. For example, the “HASAMI” brand by Maruhiro has gained wide popularity with its contemporary thick designs that utilize traditional techniques.
Furthermore, while preserving tradition, Hasami ware is developing products adapted to modern lifestyles, and its wide range of uses and design aesthetics are appreciated by a broad audience.
Hasami Ware’s Relationship with the Local Economy
Hasami ware has played an important role in the local economy as well. Despite being a small town, Hasami Town’s main industry is the production of Hasami ware, with many artisans and factories involved in porcelain manufacturing. The production system utilizing a division of labor supports local employment and revitalizes the economy.
Moreover, Hasami Town has become known as a tourist destination, with popular tourism programs such as visiting kilns and workshop tours. This allows Hasami ware to function not only as a traditional craft but also as an important element in regional revitalization. Events like the Hasami Pottery Festival greatly contribute to the development of the region.
Production Method of Hasami Ware
Hasami ware has developed by incorporating efficient mass production technologies and new techniques to meet modern needs while preserving tradition. Below, we explain the production process of Hasami ware from shaping to firing and painting, along with its associated characteristics.
Shaping Techniques and Characteristics of Hasami Ware
Traditional techniques such as “wheel throwing” and “hand-building” are used in shaping Hasami ware. Artisans use skilled techniques to shape clay into vessels and plates. Hasami ware products are characterized by simple and functional designs suitable for daily use, balancing beauty of form with practicality.
Wheel Throwing
A method of evenly shaping clay while rotating a potter’s wheel, enabling the creation of thin and lightweight products.
Hand-Building
A technique where artisans directly shape clay by hand without using a wheel, used for creating curved lines and unique shapes.
In Hasami ware, wheel-thrown pieces are particularly common, allowing for efficient mass production. Hand-built pieces are also used for unique designs and small-batch production.
Mass Production Technology Using Molds: A Major Feature of Hasami Ware
One of the notable features of Hasami ware is its mass production using molds. Since the Edo period, Hasami has introduced mold-based production, enabling the stable supply of large quantities of porcelain.
This technology has been a major factor supporting Hasami ware’s widespread use in the daily lives of common people. Particularly, the use of plaster molds made it possible to efficiently create uniform products of the same shape.
This made mass production easier compared to wheel throwing, keeping costs down and allowing Hasami ware to become widely popular as daily items for common people.
Characteristics and Application of Glazes
The glazes used in Hasami ware are often transparent, highlighting the beauty of white porcelain. Traditionally, blue patterns are often painted on a white background, with simple designs being the appeal.
Glazing is typically done by dipping or spraying, requiring a uniform finish. Dipping is a technique for evenly applying glaze to the entire vessel, while spraying allows for fine adjustments, preventing unevenness on the surface.
The transparent glaze applied to Hasami ware’s white porcelain results in a simple yet elegant finish, enhancing not only its visual beauty but also its water resistance and durability as tableware.
Firing Process and Types of Kilns
Firing is a crucial process that greatly affects the strength and finish of Hasami ware. Hasami ware is fired at high temperatures of around 1300°C, resulting in very hard and durable porcelain.
The types of kilns used are similar to those for Arita ware, including climbing kilns or gas and electric kilns. For example, firing in traditional wood-fired climbing kilns produces products with a natural texture. The uneven firing colors caused by the heat of the wood and ash create a unique flavor.
On the other hand, gas and electric kilns that allow stable temperature control are mainstream in modern times. This enables precise control of firing temperatures and efficient production of uniformly high-quality products.
Painting Techniques and Design Differences
Traditional underglaze and overglaze techniques are used in painting Hasami ware. Particularly, “sometsuke” (blue and white) painting on white porcelain is a representative technique of Hasami ware.
For sometsuke (blue painting), gosu (a cobalt-based pigment) is used to paint patterns on white porcelain before firing. After painting, glaze is applied and fired, resulting in vivid blue colors. This technique has been widely used in Hasami ware since the 17th century, influenced by Chinese blue and white porcelain.
For overglaze painting, multi-colored paintings are added after the piece has been glazed and fired once. This results in vibrant products and is often used for high-end items.
In modern times, simple and modern designs and colorful decorations have increased, with designs suited to contemporary lifestyles appearing alongside traditional patterns.
Increasing Incorporation of Modern Technologies in Production Methods
Modern Hasami ware incorporates the latest technologies while preserving traditional techniques. CAD technology for design and 3D printers for creating prototypes are being introduced, producing efficient and precise products.
Thus, the fusion of traditional handwork and modern technology is creating high-quality Hasami ware with diverse designs. Continuing to innovate while preserving tradition, Hasami ware remains popular both domestically and internationally.
Summary
Hasami ware is a traditional porcelain that has continued for over 400 years in Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture, characterized by functionality and design rooted in the lives of common people. Its production methods include traditional shaping techniques and mass production technology using molds, widely used as everyday tableware. Particularly, its simple and durable construction is characteristic, with many products suited to modern lifestyles gaining popularity.
Especially, the ability to provide high-quality products at affordable prices through mass production technology using molds is a strength of Hasami ware, and it continues to be loved in many households and restaurants. With strict standards set for quality control and finishing, Hasami ware, where tradition and innovation coexist, will likely continue to be widely supported.
