Peony Arabesque Vessel

This finely detailed blue and white vessel is the work of artist Satomi Toshitaka. Using gosu—an indigo pigment central to the art of sometsuke—he applies his expert touch with a brush as fine as a single hair onto the translucent white canvas of Mikawachi ware. The result is a vessel that exudes a beguiling sense of tradition and calm.

Satomi employs the celebrated sometsuke underglaze method in crafting this piece. On a bisqued base, he meticulously paints the motifs in thin, smooth lines. This foundational step defines the composition and prepares the surface for the tonal shading that follows.

Satomi’s use of tsukedami demonstrates his extraordinary control and sensitivity to form. Using a specially crafted, densely bristled brush, he loads the gosu and holds it steady and horizontal, allowing the color to seep into the bisqueware as if poured. Because the porcelain is highly absorbent, each stroke must be completed in a single, uninterrupted motion—only then can the subtle transitions and polished finish that define his work be achieved. Mastery of this technique requires not only a precise hand, but also years of dedicated practice.

Every line appears to breathe—graceful without stiffness—imbuing the form with a naturally harmonious spirit. The poised silhouette and delicate rim enhance both sight and touch, bringing the qualities of the porcelain and brushwork into focus. The result is an expression of Satomi’s craftsmanship, where centuries-old technique meets a refined sense of form.

Satomi Toshitaka

Satomi Toshitaka is the third-generation master of Kakusho Kiln. A descendant of kiln artisans who served the Hirado domain, he carries on the 350-year legacy of the kiln, specializing in the hand-painted sometsuke that defines Mikawachi ware.

Satomi remains faithful to the tradition of treating each piece as a unique work of art, while also embracing contemporary design sensibilities. In addition, he is engaged in the revival of refined tableware from the Meiji (1868–1912 CE) and Taisho (1912–1926 CE) eras, preserving and reinterpreting historical techniques for the present day.

Mikawachi Ware

Mikawachi ware, also known as Hirado ware, is a pottery made in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Known for its translucent white porcelain, it was highly popular in Europe during the trend toward Japanese crafts in the West in the 20th century. Mikawachi ware is remarkable for its delicate modeling techniques that push the limits of porcelain, such as openwork and relief carving, and for its beautiful painting that looks like a single piece of art.