JAPAN
and many of them are doubtless to be found in Western collections. The first manufacturer of such pieces is said to have been a priest who (circa 1615) modelled statuettes of Buddhistic deities. It may be mentioned that a popular distinction is made in Japan between the earliest specimens of Takatori ware and those manufactured subsequent to the instruction received from Kobori Masakazu (born 1576, died 1645): the former are called Ko-Takatori (old Takatori); the latter Enshiu-Takatori.
There are at present three kilns at which the manufacture of Takatori-yaki is carried on. The first is at Koishibara. It is under the direction of Yanase Jimbei, Nakagawa Buhei, and Hayakawa Kabei. Of these potters the two first are the descendants of Kambei and Kahei respectively, who flourished in the early part of the eighteenth century. The productions of the Koishibara factory are chiefly imitations of the old Kutani-yaki, to which, however, they are much inferior. The second factory is at the same place. It is managed by Takatori Shigeki—whose ancestor of the same name commenced the potter's business in 1791—and Yanase Shunzo, whose family has been at the business since 1752. These experts copy the style of the old Takatori ware, but produce also white glazes, thick and lustrous. The third factory is at Momo-mura. It was opened by Sasaki Yozo, a Kyōtō artist, who came to Kaga by official invitation in 1856, and remained there until 1880. He was succeeded by Sawada Shunzan, who now produces inferior faience for daily use.
Sōhichi-yaki
Kuroda Nagamasa, feudal chief of Chikuzen, appears to have been a dilettante of unusual earnestness.
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