[Hagi ware]
One of the most famous Japanese ceramics produced in Yamaguchi prefecture, that is also called as "Korai ware".
In 1604, the Korean potter brothers, Li Shakuko and Li Kei, were invited to Hagi domain (present Yamagichi) by the feudal load Terumoto MORI. Under the patronage of Mori Terumoto, they established the kiln and produced ceramic which became the origin of Hagiware.
Hagi ware has humble forms and it has firing-denatured patterns/colors. Because it has tiny cracklings on surface , the color of Hagi ware gradually changes as water percolates from inside to outside through cracklings. This unique phenomenon is called "7 changes of Hagi ware".
From ancient times, Hagi ware has been admired by tea masters. There is a saying among them; " Ichi Raku, Ni Hagi, San Karatsu" which means "First-Raku, Second-Hagi, Third-Karatsu".
[Koraizaemon SAKA]
A Hagi ware potter. The master of Hagi ware kiln, “Sakagama” in Hagi city, Yamaguchi prefecture. Koraizaemon Saka is the name given to the head of the Saka family who is the master of Sakgama kiln. The name has been handed down from the first generation.
First Generation: Koraizaemon Saka/ Li Kei (1586-1643)
The first generation Koraizaemon is Li Kei, who was one of Korean potters brought back from Japanese invasions of Korea in the early 17th century. Li Kei and his brother Li Shakuko are the originator of Hagi ware.
Li Kei established his kiln in the Hagi clan castle town, and named “Koraizaemon” given by the load of Hagi domain, Tsunahiro Mohri.
Koraizaemon is the main school of Hagi ware along with Kyusetsu Miwa, and they produced Hagi ware under the patronage of the Hagi domain.
Second Generation: Sukehachi（1617-1668）
The son of Koraizaemon I. Died in 1668 at the age of 52.
Third Generation: Shinbe（1648-1729）
Fourth Generation: Shinbe（1683-1748）
Fifth Generation : Sukehachi (1722-1769）
Sixth Generation: Shinbe (1739-1803）
Seventh Generation: Sukehachi (1774-1824）
Eighth Generation: Shinbe (1796-1877）
He used art name “Gandozai” and “Sho’ou”.
In 1829, he went to Osaka by order of the load of Hagi domain, Narimoto Mori, and showed his pottery technique to the Arisugawa-no-Miya Family in Kyoto.
Died in 1877 at the age of 82.

Ninth generation: Koraizaemon (1849-1921)
The grand son of Koraizaemon VIII. His original name was Michisuke.
He succeeded Koraizaemon IX in 1877. Koraizaemon IX lived in the revolutionary period of the Meiji Restoration when they lost patronage from Hagi domain because the feudal domain system was abolished, and Sakagama kiln needed to be independent. However in such difficult situation, Koraizaemon IX won prizes both in and out of the country and earned fame. He is one of the top Modern Hagi ware potters.
Died in 1921 at the age of 73.

Tenth Generation : Koraizaemon (1890-1958)
The second son of Korizaemon IX. He learned pottery techniques under his father, and succeeded the name soon after his father’s death in 1921 instead of his brother who died early. He exhibited his works to several exhibitions after his succession , and produced many articles for presentation and some were purchased by the Emperor.
He was designated as Preserver of Craft Techniques of Hagi ware in 1943.
Eleventh Generation: Koraizaemon（1912-1981)
Kiraizaemon XI, originally Nobuo was born in Yamaguchi prefecture. After graduation Teikoku School of Arts (present Musashino University of Arts) , he worked as a art teacher at Otsu Junior High School.
He got married to the second daughter of Koraizaemon X, and refined his skills under his father-in-low, then succeeded Koraizaemon XI in 1958.
Koraizaemon XI was designated as an Intangible cultural property by Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Died in 1958, at the age of 68.
- Twelfth Generation: Koraizaemon (1949-2004)
Koraizaemon XII was born in Tokyo in 1949. After graduated from the Japanese painting course at Tokyo University of Arts, he studied at the master course of the same university.
He got married to Motoko Saka who was a daughter of Koraizaemon XI, and was adopted to the Saka family. After their marriage, he learned pottery methods at Kyoto Ceramic Experimental Station, then succeeded Koraizaemon XII in 1987.
Korizaemon XII brought a new idea for Hagi ware culture to draw Japanese paintings on traditional Hagi ware.
Unfortunately, he suddenly died because of a fall accident in 2004, at the age of 54.
Thirteenth Generation: Korizaemon (1952-2014)
Koraizaemon XIII, originally Junko was born in 1952 as the 4th daughter of Koraizaemon XI.
She majored in Janapense paintings ar Musashino University of Arts, then worked as a art teacher at high schools in Hagi city. Then she worked at Sakagawa as an assistant of painting on pottery.
About 7 years after Koraizaemon XII suddenly passed away in 2011, she succeeded the 13th generation Koraizaemon and became the first female master in 400 years history of Sakagama kiln. Koraizaemon XIII drew tender and feminine pictures on tea bowls, plates, tea cups and so on.
Died because of pneumonia in 2014 , at the age of 62.