Shida ware is pottery fired at two kiln places located in so-called Arita Osotoyama secter consisted of Nabeshima Province and Higashiyama and Nishiyama area in Bizen Region, presently a part of Shiota Town in Saga Prefecture. In the early days only ceramic was fired but later in the mid-18th century porcelain made of Amakusa porcelain stone was also started to be fired. Main products were plates with deep-blue patterns on a white background, called sometsuke, in which various motifs of landscape, people, and nature were expressed. After Taisho Era a kilning factory built by Shida Porcelain played a central role in Shida ware production, where a lot of hakeme ceramics and some tsuke porcelains were produced. The factory was closed in 1984 and hasbeen preserved as Shidayaki Museum since then. The building has gotten high evaluation as a historic institution. The museum displays 55 large plates that Tsuji Ichido, a ceramic artist, reproduced Hiroshige’s Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido into 45-centimeter ceramic plates. Spot sale and pottery classes are also provided for the visitors.

Imari-Arita ware is pottery ware produced in the area around Arita-machi, Saga Pref. It is characterized by the thin and light body and elegant patterns. The origin of Imari-Arita ware dates back to 1604 (the early Edo period), when a Korean potter, Li Sanpei discovered fine porcelain stone at Mt. Izumi in Arita. Since then Imari-Arita ware had blossomed and many skills had been developed under the patronage of Nabeshima Clan during the Edo period. A lot of potters came to study the techniques, which made the name of this ware known nationwide. To produce its characteristic blue pattern, the elaborately crafted work is required in each of the processes including underglaze drawing, underglaze painting, glazing, firing, and overglaze painting. At any moment of the process gleams out the aesthetic sense of a master craftsman who carries on the 400 years of tradition.

Tobe pottery is one of Ehime Prefecture’s traditional crafts. Its simple design in deep indigo on pure white rather thick porcelain of uncomplicated form is very impressive. Tobe pottery is said to have begun in the 6th or 7th century. Pottery started in this area such a long time ago because the mountainside of Tobe Basin was suited for building kilns and since surrounded by rich forests it was easy to get plenty of firewood. The indigo blue patterns of flowering grasses drawn with strong touches of brushes against simple white porcelain have been handed down from the predecessors. Its simple and plain design, which gives warm and familiar impression and its beautiful but practical shape are appreciated by many enthusiasts. Nowadays there are a lot of woman  potters in Tobe area and the works adopting new materials　and modern designs also attract people’s　attention.