In 1599, a potter called Boku Hei established the Kushikino kiln, and later immigrated to Naeshirogawa (currently Miyama, Higashiichiki Town, Hioki City). At the beginning, he mainly made Black Satsuma (Kuromon), and Hibakaride (kiln-only style) using white clay from Korea. However, in 1782, he started making White Satsuma (Shiromon) hinerimono handicrafts, and in 1844, he also started making nishikide (multi-color style) porcelain and Kinrande (gold-painted style) porcelain.
Among the potters that were brought from Korea, about 40 landed on Shimabira, Kushikino. They opened a kiln there because the scenery was similar to that of their hometown. From when they landed until the end of the Edo period, those Naeshirogawa potters did not forget their homeland, and kept speaking Korean and wearing Korean clothing.
That is why Miyama, Higashiichiki Town is currently still a pottery village with unique customs, and the prestigious Chin Jukan kiln, which has continued for over 400 years, still exists. The 14th-generation head is known as the protagonist of “I miss my hometown” by Shiba Ryotaro. He was also skilled at making Multi-color Satsuma.
At Araki kiln, which was once Boku Hei’s, they still insist on using a left-turning potter’s wheel, a Korean tradition. They work hard to preserve and pass down Naeshirogawa ware, while using their own unique natural glaze, and carrying on the beliefs of their ancestors.
