| Role of Kogaratsu Research and Exchange Association on the Coming Progress of Karatsu Ware |
| Hiroaki KATSUKI |
| Saga Ceramics Research Laboratory |
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Keywords: Karatsu ware, Korean ware, Mutual exchange, Potters, Science
1. Introduction
Karatsu ware (Karatsu-yaki) is one of traditional Japanese potteries and has been produced since the late 16th century based on Korean ceramic wares (Punch¡¯ong and Onggi ware) technologies in and around Karatsu-shi, Saga, Japan. Karatsu ware is formed from some sandy clay with high Fe2O3 content which are mined in Karatsu area, and fired with ash slip glazes in a traditional climbing kiln. As of now around 70 companies of Karatsu ware produce a traditional tea ceremony bowl, flower vase and some table wares, but the production activity of Karatsu ware has been continuously retarded due to a global recession of the ceramic ware consumption since 1990¡¯s.
Kogaratsu Research and Exchange Association was established in 2004 and supported with 50 members from Japan, Korea, France and USA for the coming progress and creation of a new Karatsu ware, and also for the scientific reconfirmation of old Karatsu (Kogaratsu) ware. The Association is organized by local potter, clay and glaze companies, merchant, archaeologist, scientist, collector, and public organizations.
2. Activities of the Association
(1)Study of historical transfer of old Korean pottery technology to old Karatsu ware
(2)Study on what is same or different on old Karatsu ware and old Korean ceramic ware such as Punch¡¯ong(Funsei-saki)
(3)Reconfirmation of the traditional technology of old Karatsu ware
(Raw materials, glazes, forming, firing by climbing kiln, body style, color and painting)
(4)Study of the effect of production technology of old Karatsu ware on old Arita porcelain produced in the early 17th century
(5)Field study of old Karatsu ware shards produced in 1580-1590¡¯s
(6)Scientific research of clays produced from sandstone and some weathered sedimentary clay from sandstones and granites in Karatsu area1,2)
(7)Scientific and comparative study of raw clays mined in Korea
(8)Organizing some seminars on the related fields (raw materials, production, history and culture)
(9)Support for publication of some books for a global introduction to Karatsu ware3)
(10)Study of new design and color decoration of modern Katatsu ware for young Japanese consumer
(11)Exhibition of recent new products produced by younger potters in Karatsu-shi and Korea
(12)Visit old Korean pottery kiln sites located in Jeollanam-do,Jeollabuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do
(13)Workshop and technology exchange with Korean potters in Karatsu-shi and Korea
(14)Support of understand of the technology and production experience of Karatsu ware for younger generation (schoolchildren) in Karatsu-shi and Saga Pref.
References:
1)H.Katsuki, N.Kamochi, A.Kawahara, Y.Kajihara, J. Ceram. Soc. Japan, 121(9), 863-866(2013).
¡°Some properties of clays for Karatsu ware prepared from sandstone¡±
2)H.Katsuki, A.Kawahara, N.Kamochi, Jae-Hwan Pee, Woo-Seok Cho, Hyung-Tae Kim,
J. Ceram. Soc. Japan, 122(8), 642-644(2014). ¡°Properties of sedimentary clays for Karatsu ware¡±
3)F.Villemin, ¡°The Golden Age of KARATSU STONEWARE¡±, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., USA(2013). |
| Acknowledgements : |
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