Satsuma pottery is a type of Japanese earthenware known for its decorative, oriental designs. It has a long history dating back to the late 16th century, when it was first produced in the Satsuma province of southern Kyushu. The initial production was stoneware covered with a thick, dark glaze. However, it wasn’t until the mid 19th century that Satsuma ware became widely known and highly sought after for its intricate and colorful designs.
Satsuma pottery was primarily made for export to the West, with Kyoto serving as the main center of production. However, it was also produced in other cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Yokohama. Some of the finest Satsuma wares were actually made outside of the Satsuma region, in studios such as Yabu Meizan in Osaka and Kinkozan in Kyoto. These studios were home to highly skilled potters who created exceptional pieces of Satsuma pottery.
Satsuma pottery is characterized by its light, yellowish earthenware body, finely crackled glaze, and lack of a ringing sound when tapped. It is also known for its delicate and detailed designs, which often feature intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
There are two main categories of Satsuma pottery: true Satsuma and Kyoto Satsuma. True Satsuma is the more finely crafted and detailed of the two, while Kyoto Satsuma is made from a heavier stoneware paste and has more simplified designs. In addition to these categories, there is also a type of pottery known as “Satsuma style,” which includes both true Satsuma and Kyoto Satsuma, as well as other variations that are similar in appearance.
One distinguishing feature of Kyoto Satsuma is the use of moriage, a slip decoration made of raised enamels. This technique is often used to add texture and depth to the designs on the pottery. Moriage is usually more carefully applied on early pieces of Satsuma pottery, and tends to be found more frequently on pieces made outside of the Satsuma region. On later pieces, rich blue and dark red enamels are often used in conjunction with moriage.
In conclusion, Satsuma pottery is a unique and highly prized form of Japanese earthenware known for its intricate and decorative designs. It has a long history dating back to the late 16th century, and has evolved over the years to include a variety of styles and techniques. Whether it is true Satsuma, Kyoto Satsuma, or “Satsuma style,” these beautiful and finely crafted pieces are treasured by collectors and connoisseurs around the world.
Here is a list of some famous Satsuma pottery painters:
Yabu Meizan: A highly skilled potter who worked in the Yabu Meizan studio in Osaka, producing some of the finest Satsuma pottery pieces.
Kinkozan: An artist and potter who worked in the Kinkozan studio in Kyoto, creating exceptional Satsuma pottery pieces.
Ichizaemon: A well-known Satsuma pottery painter who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Kinko: A famous Satsuma pottery painter who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Gyozan: A skilled Satsuma pottery painter who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Kyokuzan: A famous Satsuma pottery painter who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Koryusai: A renowned Satsuma pottery painter who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Mokubei: A highly skilled Satsuma pottery painter who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Chozaemon: A well-known Satsuma pottery painter who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Kyosai: A famous Satsuma pottery painter who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This is just a small sampling of the many talented Satsuma pottery painters who have contributed to the rich history and tradition of this art form.
