Hirado eggshell porcelain tall yunomi - Dragon

Traditional Hirado designs have been beautifully reproduced on this exceptionally thin and delicate porcelain cup.

The porcelain is so thin that, when held up to the light, the blue-and-white sometsuke design can be seen through the body of the cup. The subtle horizontal lines on the surface are natural throwing marks left during the shaping process.

Eggshell Porcelain – A Revived Tradition

Eggshell porcelain is an extraordinarily thin and delicate form of porcelain, distinguished by its remarkable translucency.

This remarkable technique was developed in Mikawachi, Nagasaki, during the Edo period. From around 1830, these finely crafted porcelain wares were exported to Europe, where they became highly prized for their exceptional delicacy and craftsmanship.

Over time, however, the demanding techniques required to produce such thin porcelain were lost.

In 2006, Fujimoto Gakuei, the 13th-generation Hirado Tosho, successfully revived this traditional technique after nearly a century of absence, through extensive research into historical documents and repeated experimentation.

About the Hirado Tosho Kiln

The Hirado Tosho Kiln traces its history back to 1637 and has preserved the distinguished traditions of Mikawachi porcelain for generations.

Today, Fujimoto Gakuei continues this heritage, while the delicate hand-painted decoration is carried out by Fujimoto Eriko.

Each piece reflects the remarkable craftsmanship and refined beauty of traditional Hirado porcelain.