Hatase Buemon

Who is Hatase Buemon?

Hatase Buemon was a Japanese potter. He was the son of Hatase Jūbei. Hatase Jūbei worked for the famed Nabeshima Katsushige who was the lord of the Saga Domain.

Nabeshima opened the first porcelain kiln in the Arita area of Iwatani Kawachi, soon he moved the kiln to Minamikawara. Nabeshima decided to move the Minamikawara kiln due to the close proximity of his rival land owners in Nagasaki, Hirado and Omura. He feared his closely guarded secret of making fine porcelain was in jeopardy. He moved the clan to what is still known as Okawachiyama to get away from Hiradohan and Omurahan. Once there Katsushige Nabeshima decided to gather many special workers for his kiln. He gathered a total of 31 of the best artists to work in his kilns. Among those commissioned to work for Nabeshima were Kakiemon, Iaemon, Genemon and Hatase Jūbei. They were hired to make special porcelain pieces for the Emperor and Shogun. Hatase Jūbei late in life adopted a son from Shibata.