In 1622, a kiln for the exclusive use of the feudal lord (daimyõ) of Hirado Domain was established in Mikawachi, as a purveyor to the Hirado domain. One of the Korean potters who worked at this kiln was Kõrai Baba, also known by his Japanese name, Nakazato Ei.
Highly regarded for his skill as a potter, Kõrai Baba married into the family of Nakazato Moemon in Shiinomine, Karatsu, and took the Nakazato family name. On the death of the head of the family, he relocated to Mikawachi and opened a kiln. He is now recognized as one of the pioneering artisans of Mikawachi ware.
Hirado Kohsyo Klin is a direct descendant of Nakazato Ei and has been producing artistic ceramics for 400 years.
The kiln is blessed with a rich heritage of skills, handed down in unbroken succession for four centuries. In the 20th century, they received the honour of having their porcelain vessels used in the wedding ceremony of Emperor Shõwa. The kiln has been under the official warrant of the Imperial Household Agency since then.Ever since the kiln was established, they have used porcelain clay made from processed Amakusa pottery stone (amakusa tõseki). Besides the white porcelain decorated with underglaze blue (sometsuke) for which they are best known, they also make items ornamented with tooled-chrysanthemum appliquê work (kikka-kazari zaiku) and a wide variety of everyday tableware items.
Taiyo Nakazato, the 18th successor, creates sophisticated works with his exceptional skills and actively performs on the international stage.
