Mikawachi Porcelain

Mikawachi porcelain, also called Hirado ware, Japanese porcelain of the Tokugawa period (1603–1867) from the kilns at Mikawachi on the island of Hirado, Hizen province, now in Nagasaki prefecture. Although the kilns were established by Korean potters in the 17th century, it was not until 1751, when they came under the patronage of the prince of Hirado, that they began to make the all-white and the blue-and-white wares for which they are famous. The body of Mikawachi ware is of fine-grained, extremely white porcelain that is usually decorated with miniature-style paintings of landscapes, trees and flowers, or figures in a delicate underglaze blue. The figure paintings are the most characteristic, especially those of Chinese boys at play (karako). Relief decoration and colour glazes, particularly dark brown, were also used. Water droppers, small incense burners, brush sets, ink palettes, and modeled animal figures were among the many objects produced. The period of patronage lasted until 1843, at which time the quality of Mikawachi porcelain declined.