The lord of the Satsuma clan in the
closing days of the shogunate rule, Nariakira Shimadzu, built on this sport a
factory complex called “Shuseikan” based on the current western production
technology. A wide variety of industries including warship building flourished
here.
One aspect of this advancement was the
vigorous promotion of overseas trade, which led to the need for goods to
export. Through improvement of traditional production techniques, modern
Satsuma ware was developed to fill this need.
Nariakir, by building the Oniwa Kiln
here, employing many potters and supporting extensive research, achieved the
creation of a grand and dignified style of pottery used exclusively by the
lord’s family.
“Satsuma” was at onetime the common-name
for ceramics made anywhere in Japan for export during and since the Meiji
Period.
