Brilliant porcelain across the Pacific Ocean – Old Noritake: Beauty Bridging East & West

[Inscription] Created by Hyogo Prefecture Eisei sha

[Year of Manufacture] The first half of the Meiji Era

The Eiseisha pottery works were located in the former village of Ōkuramae, in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. It was established in 1876 for the express purpose of providing relief to members of the former samurai class who had lost their jobs after the Meiji Restoration (restoration of imperial power). These pottery works were expected to revive the creation of Tōzan Ware, which the kiln of the Himeji Clan had initially produced. However, it was forced to discontinue its business in 1883. With its hand-painted design drawn in deep indigo blue over a light blue glaze, this piece is beautiful beyond description. It can be said to be representative of the works of Eiseisha, which were reputed to have been exceedingly exquisite.