page_title: Karatsu ware
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Karatsu ware / History
caption_attribution_description: 日本語: 横枕の大甕登り窯跡 4段目（最上段）内部。佐賀県唐津市相知町横枕。 English: The fourth (highest one of four) chamber of Old Yokomakura jar climbing kiln, in Yokomakura, Ouchi, Karatsu city, Saga prefecture.
context_page_description: Karatsu ware is a style of Japanese pottery produced traditionally in and around Karatsu, Saga Prefecture.
context_section_description: Karatsu has been a hub of foreign commerce and trade since ancient times, and a center of pottery production since the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Today there are many kilns in use as well as ruins of kilns scattered throughout the area in Saga Prefecture. The pottery style draws its name from the location where it is produced.
  The techniques used in creating Karatsu ware are believed to have been imported from the Korean peninsula during the Japanese invasions of Korea during the late 16th century,though some theories suggest the techniques may have been in use prior to this period.
  Karatsu ware was originally created for everyday use items such as tableware, pitchers, and other household items. The style is considered a good example of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, and Karatsu ware bowls, plates, and other implements are often used in tea ceremonies. Pottery in general is often called "Karatsu ware" in Western Japan due to how much pottery was produced in the Karatsu area. 
  There is a famous ancient saying—First Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu—when referring to ceramic ware used for the Japanese tea ceremony. It is considered one of the top styles of pottery for use in tea ceremonies in Japan.
caption: Old Yokomakura jar climbing kiln fourth chamber, in Karatsu
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