Mid 20th Century Koishiwara Platter With Hakeme Brush and Two-Colour Uchikake Splash Decoration

Koishiwara ware (called Koishiwara yaki in Japanese) is a form of pottery produced in the Asakura district of Fukuoka prefecture. Since its creation, Koishiwara ware has evolved to become a practical, beautiful pottery. Koishiwara ware’s unique point is the patterns that develop when applied while rotating on a potter’s wheel. Some other notable features of this pottery are its elegant texture, beautiful form, and a charming colour expression despite its simplicity and practicality. Koishiwara ware was the first stoneware to be designated as a traditional craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Boasting a 350-year history, Koishiwara ware can be described as one of Japan’s leading crafts.

A beautiful warm beige slip provides the canvas for the hallmark brush-mark and splashed-glaze decorations. Representative and iconic in its appearance, it is distinctly ‘Koishiwara’.