Satsuma-yaki | The skills of potters who crossed the sea 427 years ago, a moment of relaxation savored with a lidded teacup
In the mountains of Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, there is a village where the skills of potters who crossed the sea over four hundred years ago still live on. Amidst the chaos of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea, these people left their homes to build kilns in the land of Satsuma—and it is their descendants who continue to protect the "Kuromon" (black ware) vessels, fired from iron-rich clay. A lidded teacup is the perfect tool for a daily moment of relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the aroma of your tea thoroughly without letting the steam escape.
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The item introduced this time is Naeshirogawa-yaki Satsuma-yaki Araki Pottery Kiln Lidded Teacup Cup with Box (¥6,980).
The background of this craft's birth
The origins of Satsuma-yaki date back to the 3rd year of the Keicho era (1598). Among the approximately 80 potters brought back by Shimazu Yoshihiro, the lord of the Satsuma Domain, during the invasions of Korea, a group led by Shim Tokichi of the Aomatsu Shim clan landed in Kushikino, Kagoshima. They moved to Naeshirogawa in the Ijuin district (present-day Miyama, Higashi-Ichiki-cho, Hioki City) in the 8th year of the Keicho era (1603), and opened a kiln in the 10th year of the Keicho era, marking the beginning of Naeshirogawa-yaki. Unable to find the clay of their homeland, these potters searched for clay and built kilns from scratch in a foreign land. Their skills have been passed down for over a dozen generations by kilns such as the Shimazu Jukan family. Araki Pottery Kiln is also one of the kilns in this Miyama area that continues to create pottery while facing a history spanning over 425 years.
As another example of folk pottery from Kyushu, you can also take a look at Karatsu-yaki Kofuku Pottery's Sake Ware.
Artisan techniques and dedication
There are two streams of Satsuma-yaki: "Shiro-Satsuma" (White Satsuma), which was gorgeously decorated with gold brocade as official goods for the domain, and "Kuro-Satsuma" (Black Satsuma/Kuromon), which was fired as everyday utensils for the common people. Shiro-Satsuma was exported overseas from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era, and at the 1873 Vienna World's Fair, a large vase exhibited by the 12th Shimazu Jukan gained global acclaim. On the other hand, Kuromon is characterized by its simple strength, utilizing the local iron-rich clay as it is and firing it into an amber or jet-black finish. The teacup featured here is also a piece in the lineage of Kuromon, and the way the lid fits securely is a testament to the precision of wheel-throwing. While not flashy, it has a weight and texture that feels more comfortable in the hand the more you use it.
The reason for choosing this product
This time, I chose an item from Araki Pottery Kiln, which bears the historical name "Naeshirogawa-yaki." In addition to being lidded, it comes in a gift box that is easy to use for everyday life rather than a paulownia box, which was also a deciding factor, making it suitable for both gifting and home use. There is a wide selection of other Satsuma-yaki teacups available, with different patterns and styles for each kiln.
If you are looking for a style suitable for Respect for the Aged Day, Satsuma-yaki Teacup Keizan Kiln Father's Day Respect for the Aged Day (¥4,980), if you are looking for a matching set for guests, Satsuma-yaki Kinko Pottery Teacup Set of 5 (¥5,490), and if you want a set for a couple, Satsuma-yaki Gyokutozan Teacup 2-piece Set with Box (¥5,790) are also recommended.
Situations where I want to use this
A Kuromon teacup looks great not only with green tea but also with barley tea or bancha, as is typical in Kagoshima. Having a lid keeps the tea from cooling down quickly, providing peace of mind during the short time before serving tea to guests. Just placing one glossy black vessel on the dining table tightens the space, and it pairs perfectly with Japanese sweets or rice crackers. It is useful not only for a daily moment of relaxation but also for slightly more special occasions.
As a gift for grandparents who don't usually pay much attention to their teacups, for Respect for the Aged Day or their birthday
When you want to serve tea in a dignified lidded vessel for hospitality when guests arrive
When you want to give a single, long-lasting vessel as a gift for a new life or a housewarming
If you remove the lid, it can be used as a teacup, and if you let it steam with the lid on, it can also serve as a simple, small teapot, expanding the range of ways it can be used.
Care and tips for long-term use
Satsuma ware pottery is fired in a way that makes it absorbent, so performing "medome" (sealing) by lightly boiling it in rice water when you first start using it can help prevent tea stains and odor transfer. Daily care is sufficient with mild detergent and a soft sponge; avoid using hard items like metal scrubbers, as they can damage the glaze's luster. After washing, wipe off moisture thoroughly and dry in a well-ventilated place to keep it in beautiful condition for a long time. Sudden temperature changes can easily cause crazing (fine crack patterns on the surface), so it is safer to warm the vessel slightly before pouring in boiling water.
Other masterpieces from the same region you might want to consider
The charm of Satsuma ware is that each kiln has its own unique personality. For those who want to collect them easily, try the Kinko Pottery 5-piece set (¥5,490), and for couples or special gifts, try the Gyokutozan 2-piece set with original box (¥5,790). Please choose according to your purpose and the recipient.
Points to consider when choosing for gifts and anniversaries
If you are giving a Satsuma ware teacup as a gift, it is reassuring to check whether it comes with a decorative box or an original wooden box. "Kuromon" (black ware) has a calm color tone that is easy for anyone to use regardless of age or gender, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions such as Respect for the Aged Day, longevity celebrations, and retirement gifts. Since vessels that are too light or too heavy can be difficult to use, it is a more appreciated gift if you check the actual weight and size specifications before choosing.
Summary
Born from the soil that potters who left their homeland over four hundred years ago discovered in a foreign land, Satsuma ware was created. The lidded black ware teacup is a tool that quietly carries on that history while gently accompanying your tea time today.
Read more: Onta Ware Kobukuro Kiln Sake Cup
Read more: Koishiwara Ware Tsurumi Kiln Salad Bowl
Read more: Karatsu Ware Kofuku Pottery Sake Cup
If you would like to check the product again, click here: Naeshirogawa Ware Satsuma Ware Araki Pottery Lidded Teacup Cup with Box
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Note: This article contains affiliate links using the Amazon Associates Program. If you make a purchase through these links, the author may receive a certain commission, but this does not affect the selection or evaluation of the products in any way.