Hizen Yoshida Pottery Hall
The Hizen Yoshida Pottery Hall showcases the style of porcelain for which the area is known. Yoshida ware is said to have first appeared in the late sixteenth century when Ryuzoji Takanobu (1529–1584), a warlord general of the Hizen region of Kyushu, found a shimmering white stone in the nearby Narutani River. This discovery marks the beginning of Japan’s porcelain stone mining industry.
In addition to the exhibits, a shop sells two series of porcelain works.
Mizutama Tea Ware Series
The porcelain is sourced from nearby Amakusa, a region highly regarded for its quality ceramics. The Mizutama Tea Ware Series features teacups and teapots with dark blue backgrounds and white polka dots.
Ekubo and Hokuro Series
Another prominent series is called Ekubo and Hokuro (“Dimples and Moles”). Normally, pottery and porcelain products are required to be free from any defects. However, this series acknowledges the beauty of imperfections and sells a wide range of items with indentations or blemishes at a discount, including pieces in the Mizutama Tea Ware Series.
The Hizen Yoshida Pottery Hall was originally a meeting space for a guild called the Kamamoto Kumiai organized to bring local residents together. Members of the community would gather there to sell items they had produced. In 1995, the hall was reconfigured to sell Yoshida-ware products.
Starting Point for the Kyushu Olle Ureshino Course (Hiking Course)
The pottery hall makes a convenient starting point for the Kyushu Olle Ureshino Course, a popular walking trail. The building’s red exterior makes it easy to spot, and a blue signpost near the entrance to the building indicates the direction of the course.