HIRADO KOHSYO DANEMON Kiln Mikawachi Ware Chrysanthemum Vase / 平戸洸祥団右ヱ門窯 菊花飾花瓶

The story of Mikawachi ware (三河内焼き) began in 1598 in the hills above Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県佐世保). For generations, its porcelain was created for the lords of the Hirado domain and as prestigious presentation pieces, rather than for ordinary commercial production. The expectation was always exceptional craftsmanship, and this freedom to work without prioritising speed or cost shaped Mikawachi ware into something extraordinarily delicate and precise—porcelain that can feel closer to drawing or sculpture than everyday pottery. Hirado Kosho Danemon Kiln (平戸洸祥団右ヱ衛門窯) has inherited this tradition through the Nakazato family, with the current head, Nakazato Taiyo, representing the eighteenth generation. For the family, preserving the kiln is not simply about reproducing old designs, but about protecting the skills, patience and way of thinking passed down over centuries, while allowing this historic craftsmanship to remain meaningful in modern life.

The kiln is known for its pure white porcelain and exceptionally delicate blue painting. Fine outlines are painted first, followed by layers of shading that appear grey before firing and become vivid blue in the kiln, giving each work the depth and refinement of a painting. Every composition is carefully considered so that the design follows the shape of the porcelain naturally.

The kiln’s most treasured craft is its hand-sculpted chrysanthemum decoration (菊花飾細工). Beginning with a solid piece of porcelain clay, the artisan cuts and lifts every petal individually with a fine bamboo tool, without using a mould. The sharply carved petals soften through glazing and firing, creating the natural appearance of a chrysanthemum in bloom. As every flower is shaped entirely by hand, no two chrysanthemums can ever be exactly the same. This rare skill has been preserved by the Nakazato family for generations, and Nakazato Ichiro, father of the current kiln head, was officially recognised as its holder when the technique was designated an Intangible Cultural Property by Sasebo City in 2014. This important recognition confirms the cultural value of the craft and the need to preserve it for future generations.

Each piece from Hirado Kosho Danuemon Kiln carries far more than decoration. It holds the patience of the artisan, the memory of generations and one family’s determination to preserve an increasingly rare part of Japan’s porcelain heritage.

◾ As each piece is handmade, slight variations in size, glaze, colour and texture may occur, reflecting the unique character of artisan-made ceramics.

◾ Handmade in Nagasaki, Japan

◾ What's included? - One (1) Vase.

◾ Size: Diameter 17 cm x Height 23 cm

◾ Material: Porcelain

◾ Not dishwasher safe

◾ Presented in a custom-made wooden gift box, initialled by the artisan.