Takatori-yaki Souke

Koishiwara in Toho Village is located approximately at the center of Fukuoka Prefecture. The kiln of the Kuroda Family, or the headmaster of Takatori ware, can be found in this small village that retains a traditional Japanese landscape. During the Warring States Period (late 15th century to late 16th century), feudal lords granted land to military commanders for their service. However, in the Kuroda domain, refined tea bowls were offered instead of land because it had limited territories. Even after the Warring States Period had ended, these tea bowls were handed down carefully along with the art of pottery. The secrets of traditional techniques were recorded in a book, which has been passed from the father to one of the sons in the family for over 400 years since 1600.