Hobashira Kiln is an old kiln of the Karatsu ware Onikotake lineage located in Hobashira, Kitahata-mura, Higashimatsuura-gun, Saga Prefecture. The kiln was founded about 600 years ago and closed in 1594. It is said to have been closed down in 1594. Its pottery techniques are similar to those of the Iidong Kiln, and up to 90% of its products are opaque sea squirt glaze, which is the origin of sea squirt glaze in Japan. The bowls are said to be Korean Karatsu bowls, the oldest of which are called “Botebote-chawan” (tea bowls). The “skin whale hand” originated in this kiln. Many of the warped tea bowls and sake cups are from this kiln.
(Kyoichi Kanehara)
