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How did Korean potters influence pottery production during the Edo period?
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Japanese art
The Breaking Wave off Kanagawa, woodblock colour print by Hokusai, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, 1826–33.
Korean potters played a foundational role in the development of Japanese ceramic production during the Edo period, primarily through the introduction of advanced technologies and the discovery of essential materials.
Key contributions include:
- Kiln Technology: In the early 17th century, the introduction of the chambered climbing kiln from Korea allowed Japanese potters to sustain the controlled, high temperatures necessary for producing high-fired ceramics and porcelain.12
- Discovery of Porcelain Clay: Korean craftsmen, most notably the master potter Ri Sampei, are credited with discovering high-quality kaolin-rich clay in the Izumi Mountain near Arita. This discovery enabled the production of hard, white-glazed porcelain, which became a cornerstone of the Japanese ceramic industry and a major export.1234
- Establishment of Kilns: Many Korean potters, brought to Japan during the late 16th-century invasions, were instrumental in establishing new production centers. For example, the Karatsu kilns in northern Hizen province were likely founded by Korean potters, with their influence remaining perceptible in the region's diverse styles and shapes.56
These advancements shifted Japanese production from earlier, more limited techniques toward the sophisticated, high-fired wares that flourished throughout the Edo period.13