Tsushima ware is ceramics from Tsushima Prefecture, Japan. In the article on Tsushima in the “Appendix of Ceramic Artifacts”, the names of Shigezo, Genetsu, Kodou II, Kodou Sampeita, and Taihei Tokuhon are listed as potters of the Busan kiln, and the seven best potters of the Enshu period who copied the Korean style are also mentioned (see the section on “Busan Kiln”).
The pottery industry of Tsushima is old, and from the excavated shards, it is estimated that earthenware was produced as far back as the Silla and Baekje periods. Later, it is said that the Jianwara clan took over the pottery-making business from generation to generation when the ancestors of the Soke clan arrived on the island. However, what is known in historical records is that Tsushima ware was made during the Kyoho period (1716-36), or immediately after the discontinuation of the Busan kilns in Joseon, where burnt makers were dispatched from the Soke family to make pottery. All of the kilns are located in the vicinity of Itsuwara (Itsuwara Town, Shimogata County).
(1) Kopo Sarasan Kiln is the oldest among the kilns, although the date of its foundation is not clear, and there are fragments that are close to Goryeo celadon.
(2) Hisada Kiln, also called Masuda Kiln, was established around the Kyoho period. The name of Hayata Keisaku is known as a craftsman, and celadon and cloudy white porcelain are the main products of this kiln.
(3) Shiga Kiln is the center of Tsushima ware, and was founded in 1726 (Kyoho 11). In 1791, a new pottery kiln was established in the area, and some of the wares are underglaze blue. Yoshida-shi during the Bunka era (1804-18) was the most famous and produced various types of vessels. The kiln was closed at the end of the Meiji period.
(4) Tachikame Kiln: This kiln was originally established to produce daily-use porcelain for the Soke family, and produced exclusively white porcelain and blue-and-white porcelain. The date of foundation is unknown. The names of Juntaro, Ubei, and other craftsmen remain.
(V) Asu Kiln: This kiln began around the Koka period (1844-8) and was closed after the Sino-Japanese War.
(vi) Koura Kiln was established in the mid-Meiji period, but ceased to exist after a short period of time. See each section for details. In the middle of the Meiji period (1868-1912), the Asu Kiln produced items for the Korean trade, but this was not the main stream of Tsushima ware. Most of them were celadon-like wares with a blue tinge on the base, and this blue tinge was visible through the white glaze. There are also Gohon copy, Gohon tatekaku, untsuru, mishima, white porcelain, iron sand, and others. (Appendix to Pottery Review, Pottery Collection, History of Japanese Ceramics, History of Japanese Modern Ceramics, History of Japanese Ceramics, Pusan Kilns and Taizhou Kilns)
