Nabeshima porcelain is considered to be the best of all the porcelain wares ever produced in Hizen province. The lord Nabeshima who operated Arita kilns in the early 17th century searched for the special location where he could manage the tight control of the kilns of his own use. Okawachiyama near Imari surrounded by the mountains was chosen for this purpose. The village was protected by the armed guards at the gate to keep all the secret of its industry from the outside world. Nabeshima porcelain has its distinguished design which separates from all other Imari wares. Its exclusive limited production was kept only for the Nabeshima family and for the gifts to the other lords, the Tokugawa shoguns and the emperors.