Sanda Porcelain, Japan

Sanda porcelain was known to be started by Konishi Kinbei in the Horeiki years (1751-64) of the Edo period in Japan. The kiln was built at the Shitehara district in Sanda, and the products of the earlier period were made of rough pottery clay decorated with white slip. The later improvement was made by Uchida Chubei, and he succeeded to make fine celadon ware which had earned a great reputation. Financially backed by the wealthy merchant, Kanda Soubei, the kilns in Sanda region grew successfully and manufactured the fine celadon products and other porcelains. During its heyday from the end of Bunka years to Tenpo years (1830-44), a Kyoto potter, Kinkodo Kamesuke was commissioned to the kiln to improve the techniques of modelling and celadon glazing. The kilns continued the productions through hardships but closed completely in Showa 10’s (1925-1934).

The photos of the picture gallery below were taken from the Sanda Miwamyojin-kiln Museum in 2024.

SDC1: Kanda Soubei (upper) and Uchida Chubei (lower). SDC2: Kinkodo Kamesuke (1765-1837). SDC3: Map of the Miwamyojin kiln site. SDC4: Collection made by a contemporary potter, Zuiho Ito ,

SDC5, SDC6: Water bird motif square celadon vase.

SDC26-SDC28: Pottery molds.