"The 40th Anniversary Exhibition of Tarouemon Nakazato XIV"
In November, I had the privilege of speaking with the current head of the Nakazato family at Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin Store, where this commemorative exhibition was held. Over the years, I’ve visited their pottery studio in Karatsu, attended public events, and heard stories about Karatsu ware and the Nakazato family. Here, I would like to share part of the conversation with the head of the family, who is known for his humble and unpretentious character.
The Studio's Daruma Figure
The pottery studio is located a five-minute walk from Karatsu Station. Upon entering the gate, the first thing that catches your eye is a fierce-looking ceramic Daruma figure.
"That’s a ceramic sculpture by the 11th head of our family. During the Edo period, the Nakazato family produced ceramics for the Karatsu Domain. After the Meiji Restoration, when domains were abolished, the 11th head, born in the late Edo period, left behind sculptures of animals and human figures. Later, the 12th head revived the techniques of early-17th-century Old Karatsu, and the 13th head, with his exceptional artistic expression, further developed them. Twenty-two years ago, I succeeded the title of Tarouemon Nakazato."
The studio features works by both the 13th and 14th heads, along with photographs of visits by the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita.
The Old Karatsu Collection at the Ochawan Kiln Museum
Across the road from the studio lies the Ochawan Kiln Museum, opened four years ago, where Old Karatsu pottery is carefully preserved and displayed.
"It is said that Karatsu’s potters came from Korea during the Momoyama period, before Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasions of Korea. Initially, they must have felt a longing for their homeland, but over time, they settled here. Many Old Karatsu pieces exude a sense of freedom and vitality. Recently, young potters have been moving to Karatsu, starting their own kilns. They are drawn to the charm of Old Karatsu and open wood-fired kilns here. Today, there are about 70 kilns in the area."
The Edo-Period Climbing Kiln
On the premises stands a climbing kiln dating back to the Edo period. Once, while observing the kiln, I was startled when the current head suddenly appeared from a nearby overgrown path. His presence felt so natural, it was as though a potter from centuries ago had stepped through time.
"Next to the climbing kiln is the studio of my predecessor, the 12th head, Muan Nakazato, who was a Living National Treasure. It has been preserved as it was, and I also work there. Our current climbing kiln, located behind the studio, is much larger than the old one. I work there with my craftsmen."
The workshop adjacent to the modern climbing kiln is filled with numerous pieces in progress, offering a glimpse of their scale and activity.
The Nakazato Family’s Tradition
The Nakazato family frequently travels abroad together.
"Yes, my predecessor loved antiques. When we arrived somewhere overseas, the first stop would always be an antique shop. Whoever found the best piece was the winner. That’s how we honed our eye for authenticity. When it comes to Karatsu ware, I can tell at a glance what’s genuine and what’s not. Creating authentic works requires refining oneself. When you polish your mind, it reflects in your work. I feel this was something I naturally learned from my predecessor."
The Nakazato family’s style evolves with each generation. Despite being a family lineage with over 400 years of history, they continue to reinterpret tradition freely while preserving it.
Communication Through Pottery
The Ochawan Kiln Museum also hosts dinners led by the current head, featuring local Karatsu chefs.
"I am interested in how our pottery integrates into daily life, not just as decoration but in actual use. We serve dishes made from Karatsu's seasonal ingredients on Karatsu ware, allowing guests to enjoy the experience. Communication through pottery is something I value greatly. It’s a joy to create ceramics that people are happy to use. In Karatsu ware, we say it’s 80% the maker’s effort and 20% the user’s contribution. Over time, the pottery gains character and depth. I hope people will come to appreciate this way of enjoying it."
Karatsu Ware to Celebrate Its 430th Anniversary
In the greeting for this exhibition, the head wrote, "I’ve come to think that there’s no need to cling to anything anymore. I want to live more humbly from now on."
"Our disciples are active both domestically and overseas in Europe and Asia. I hope to collaborate with them and share Karatsu ware with the world. In two years, Karatsu ware will celebrate its 430th anniversary. I’m planning various events for the occasion."
Speaking with shining eyes about his future vision, the 14th head leaves us eagerly anticipating how his new creative frontiers will shape Karatsu ware and its legacy.