This 6.7" (17cm) hand-painted porcelain plate captures the important whaling history in the region.  Whaling in Kyushu region in the 16th century sustained the livelihood of few thousand people in small villages.  It was a time where crews sailed out on big wooden boats and poach the huge mammals using only nets and spears.  Detail images of the action and the catch were captured in drawings.  Mr. Imamura was inspired by many of these drawings and has created intricate underglaze paintings on porcelain.  His artisanal fine brush work brought to life the action of each individual on a big boat in the rough ocean.  One could almost hear the pounding waves and the shouts of the brave fishermen.  
 
Japanese porcelain from Mikawachi is prized to be of top quality using the brightest white porcelain clay from Amakusa region.  And artisans in Mikawachi is known for the exquisite skills in sculpting with this fine material. 
  
KOUN KILN of Mikawachi
Artisan Takamitsu Imamura runs Koun Kiln and insists in handling every step of the process by himself, with the help of his wife.   When many porcelain producers evolve into using decal for cheaper and faster production, Mikawachi artisans strictly maintain the practice of hand-painting all of the work.  The delicate brush work, impeccable coloring skills and porcelain sculpting technique is nothing compare to the souless motif decals.  
 
Own a piece of Mikawachi history, a piece of artisan's dedication. 

* Specification may varies due to the nature of hand-made product.  Each item is unique.
 
PROUDLY HAND-CRAFTED  in  JAPAN
Read artisan story and history of this hidden town Mikawachi:
www.goenne.com/mikawachi
 
 
DIMENSION
Diameter 17cm   Height 2.5cm
Diameter 6.7" x Height 1"
(12cm size is also available in separate listing)