[Sometsuke]
Blue and white porcelain. On the surface of biscuit firing pottery, designs are painted with cobalt oxide paint.
Arita ware is the first Sometsuke ceramic in Japan. The Nabeshima kiln made superior sometsuke.
Xiang-Rui is one style of sometsuke made in China around 1628 to 1644. Xiang-Rui style has various geometric patterns drawn with bliliant blue color.
[Chikusen MIURA]
A Kyoyaki/ Kiyomizuyaki ceramic potter. The name “Chikusen” has been handed over through each generations.
First Generation (1854-1915)
His real name was Masakichi (Komajirou in his childhood) Watanabe. He came under the tutelage of the 3rd generation of Douhachi Takahashi (one of famous Kyoyaki/Kiyomizu ceramic potter) at the age of 13. He became independent in 1883 and settled his own pottery studio in Gojyo-saka, Kyoto.
He contributed to improving of Kyoyaki ceramic. Died in 1915 at the age of 63.
Second Generation (1882-1920)
The oldest son of the first generation. He succeeded “Chikusen” name after his father’s death, still he passed away 5 years later of his succession at the age of 39.
Third Generation
　A son of the first generation, the youngest brother of the second generation. Because the son of the second generation was too young, he succeeded “Chikusen” name after his brother He handed over the title to the fourth generation in 1931 then he established the branch family with the name “Chikuken”.
Fourth Generation (1911-1976)
The oldest son of the second generation. He succeeded the fourth generation of Chikusen in 1931. He mainly made Sencha/green tea utensils. Died in 1976 at the age of 66.
Fifth Generation (1934- )
The oldest son of the fourth generation. His childhood name was Toru. After his graduation from Doshisya University, he started to learn pottery under his father, then succeeded the fifth generation of Chikusen in 1972.
Because use of ascending kilns was banned based on the settlement of the anti-air pollution low, he developed more effective type of kiln which uses gas and electricity.
He is also one of the pioneers of historical study of Kyoyaki ceramic.