Mikawachi ware has been produced in Mikawachi, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, for nearly 400 years. As the kiln center of Hirado domain, the town was responsible for crafting gifts for presentation to the Shogunate and the Imperial Court until the late 19th century. Presently there are 16 potters left in Mikawachi who carry on this legacy, which preserves many artistic porcelain techniques developed during the heyday of the domain. Examples include blue and white ceramics depicting karako motifs, paper-thin eggshell porcelain, and kikka decorative workmanship, in which flower petals are carved on a ball of clay.
We made use of these sophisticated techniques to craft plain cups and bowls of a near-translucent lightness and thinness. Turning each piece upside down during the firing process ensures that the underside is fully covered with smooth glaze, forming a sleek surface that does not leave scratches on the table. The Hiya line comes in three variations: plain white porcelain, white porcelain with a single blue line around the rim, and blue gosu maki. The latter is a blue and white porcelain technique where a thick brush soaked in blue gosu glaze is used to dye the entire outer surface of the object. These versatile cups can be used for sake, beer, tea or coffee.
