Seikozan (Japan) ceramics

Seikozan is a type of Japanese pottery that was produced in the Satsuma domain in Kyushu, Japan, from the late 16th century to the early 20th century. It is characterized by its intricate overglaze enameling, which often features scenes from Japanese mythology, history, and folklore. Seikozan pottery is typically made from a fine white clay, and it is fired at a high temperature. The overglaze enamelling is applied after the pottery has been fired, and it is then fired again at a lower temperature. This process creates a durable and colourful glaze that is resistant to scratches and chipping.

Seikozan pottery is often decorated with scenes from Japanese mythology, history, and folklore. These scenes are often depicted in a very detailed and realistic manner, and they can be quite complex and intricate.

The first Seikozan kilns were established in the late 16th century by Korean potters who had been brought more... to Japan by the Shimazu clan, the rulers of Satsuma. These early Seikozan wares were mostly undecorated, but they were of high quality and were quickly adopted by the Japanese aristocracy.

In the early 17th century, Seikozan potters began to experiment with overglaze enamelling, a technique that had been developed in China. This allowed them to create more elaborate and colourful designs, and Seikozan pottery became increasingly popular.

By the late 17th century, Seikozan pottery was being exported to all over the world, and it was especially popular in Europe. The demand for Seikozan pottery continued to grow throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and by the early 20th century, it was one of the most popular types of Japanese pottery.

However, the production of Seikozan pottery declined in the early 20th century due to competition from other types of Japanese pottery and from mass-produced ceramics from Europe. The last Seikozan kilns were closed in the 1930s. less...