| After the long period of the Tokugawa government's strict rules, Meiji restoration brought economic growth to the country. Artists and craftsmen who had traditional skills were able to pursue their own dreams. Although it might have caused the decline in quality because of the increase in production, you cannot deny the liveliness and the brightness that reflected on their work, which in turn gave them a hope for the future generations. |
Zoshuntei 蔵 春亭
Zoshuntei was a trade mark used by Hisatomi Yojibei Masayasu (1812-1878) who was a merchant developed porcelain products for export in Arita and also Mikawachi kiln which was under Hirado han in the late Edo period. In 1842, Saga Daimyo, Lord Nabeshima Naomasa (1814-1871) gave Masayasu an export license of the Imari porcelains, mainly to Holland. He helped to revise and also modernize the porcelain industry in the region for a new era.
His younger brother, Hisatomi Yohei Masaoki (1832-1871) succeeded him in their family business. He expanded the company and became a very important figure in the modern Japanese history. Unfortunately, he died young in the shipwreck. The company ceased in 1926 after other family members tried to continue the business.
Zoshuntei's name was remembered as a first trade mark used for the Hizen porcelain ware. It is a symbol of new dawn of Japan from the old Tokugawa feudal system to the modern Meiji industrialization.
Note : the back of the bottle above was marked - Zoshuntei Sanpo zo. Trade name of Zonshuntei Sanpo was used by Hisatomi Yojibei Masayasu, circa 1840's.
Hichozan 肥碟山
Hichozan was a trade name used by the group of Arita kilns & makers mainly for export during the late Edo to the Meiji period in the 19th century. The name refers to the Arita kilns.
Hichozan Shinpo sei 肥碟山信甫製 ： a trade mark used by Tashiro Monzaemon
Hichozan Fukagawa sei 肥碟山深川製 : a trade mark used by Fukagawa kiln
A mark hand painted
in red "Hichozan Fukagawa sei "
Fukaumi Heizaemon
Hichozan Nenkian sei 肥蝶山年木庵製 ： a trade mark used by Fukaumi Heizaemon kiln
A mark
hand painted in blue "Hichozan Nenkian
sei"
