Vase with Chrysanthemum Decoration

The Hirado Chrysanthemum Decoration Technique is the pottery techniques used to create porcelain chrysanthemum flowers by hand-building. Using a pointed bamboo tool, petals are cut out of a lump of porcelain clay, one by one. After completing a full circle, each petal is raised one by one. By repeating this process several times, the shape of the chrysanthemum emerges. When the petals are carved out, each petal stands sharply, but after applying glaze and undergoing firing, a natural softness, like that of a real chrysanthemum, is expressed.

This astonishing traditional technique passed down through generations at this kiln and was designated as an intangible cultural heritage of Nagasaki in 2021.

This piece is made by a intangible cultural properties holder, Ichiro Nakazato.