Hirado Shouzan

With a heritage stretching back over 400 years, Hirado Shouzan is one of Japan’s most esteemed porcelain producers, located in the Mikawachi district of Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture. Known for its exquisite form of Mikawachi-yaki—a highly refined porcelain tradition developed under the patronage of the Matsuura feudal lords—the kiln is celebrated for its luminous white body and intricate cobalt-blue sometsuke underglaze.

Using high-quality Amakusa Kaorin, their artisans create fine, white porcelain ideal for intricate cobalt-blue underglaze designs. Under the direction of the Matsuura feudal lords in the 17th century, the kilns produced porcelain for the imperial court, and by the 18th century, Hirado ware was among Japan’s most celebrated ceramics. Each cup, bowl, and brush rest embodies centuries of mastery—featuring motifs like “Karako” (Chinese children of Tang Dynasty) symbolizing auspicious celebration.