History and Art work
The Japanese porcelain industry began with Korean potters brought back to Kyushu following Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion of Korea in 1597.
After a protracted search and several moves of the factory, Kyokan and his son Sannojyo settled in Mikawachi, where an abundant source of pure white stone enabled the production of a unique, pure-white porcelain.
The 3rd generation ‘Imamura-Yajibei-Joen’ perfected the firing of white stone porcelain during the Kanbun Era between 1661 to 1672. He also developed unique hand forming, relief, and counter-relief techniques for shaping the clay into ever more intricate and delicate shapes. The factory and craftsmen were the exclusive property of the Hirado Daimyo, which used the porcelain they produced for trade and prestigious gifts.
Between the Edo and Meiji era, the elaborate shaping techniques and specialized firing processes characteristic of Hirado-Mikawachi porcelain were further developed and refined.
Building on traditional skills passed down by his ancestors, Hitoshi Imamura continues this rich artistic tradition for the 14th consecutive generation.
His work was designated an Intangible Cultural Property by Sasebo City in 2014 and an Intangible Cultural property by Nagasaki prefecture in 2021.
White and translucent, delicate yet surprisingly strong, each elegant piece of individually handcrafted porcelain is a functional and sophisticated work of art.
Monkey Doll
In 1664, the 3rd Generation Yajibei was awarded a Japanese name "Jyoen" by his Lord in recognition of his artistic achievements.
However, the name "Jyoen" can be taken to mean "resembles a monkey." Yajibei cleverly mocked his lord by crafting a porcelain monkey doll which sticks out its tongue when shaken.
This unique Monkey doll quickly gained wide popularity. It was prized as a good luck charm by many Samurai, gifted to foreigners living in Nagasaki, and extensively exported.
In the year 1867, the Edo Shogunate participated the Paris World Exposition. This Monkey Doll, exhibited among other Saga Clan crafts, caught Empress Eugenie's eye and she purchased hundreds.
The Monkey Doll continued to be produced and exported even after the Mikawachi kiln lost the patronage of the Hirado Clan during the Meiji Restoration. It is still made by hand today, using the same centuries old, secret technique.
Biography
14th generation Hirado Etsuzan, Hitoshi Imamura was born 1942 in Oriose Village (Mikawachi City), Nagasaki Japan. After graduated from high school, he apprenticed in ceramics under potter Kazan Kozuru of Agano. In 1961, He began training with his father, Shikao Imamura.
Hitoshi Imamura's work has been shown and collected by museums worldwide. His "Chrysanthemum water pitcher" featured at the Nagasaki prefecture museum of Art (1993) and his "Lotus" at the Richard-Ginori Museum in Florence, Italy (2006). His work has also been exhibited at the San Rocco Church in Ghenmme, Piemonte, Italy (2010); the Four Seasons Hotel Art Gallery, Tokyo (2013-2019); The Dolder Grand Hotel Zurich, Switzerland (2013-2016) and "The World" Art Gallery (2014,2017).
In recent years, 14th Hirado Etsuzan exhibitions have included , Fujita Museum hall in Osaka(2017); Hiroshima Sogo Art Gallery (2018); Omiya Sogo Art Gallery(2019); Chiba Sogo Art Gallery(2020); Seibu Ikebukuro Art forum, Tokyo(2020); Matsuzakaya Nagoya(2022); Yokohama Sogo Art Gallery(2022); Nomura Art Museum, Kyoto(2022).
The "Chrysanthemum Flower Insect Cage" was selected by Nagasaki Prefecture as an Imperial gift to celebrate the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito (2019).
Hitoshi Imamura's unique hand-forming technique was designated an Intangible Cultural Property by the City of Sasebo in 2014, and by Nagasaki Prefecture in 2021.
Japan Heritage; Hizen Mikawach Hand-forming technique
Contact: hiradoetsuzan@gmail.com