Early Edo period (17th century)
Donated by the Homma family
Hirado ware (Mikawauchi ware) is a type of porcelain that has been produced in the area of the former Hirado Domain (present day Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture) since the early Edo period. It is said that it was first produced by potters brought back by the lord of the Hirado Domain, Shigenobu Matsuura, after his campaign in Korea. Made from Amakusa pottery stone, Hirado ware is characterized by a milky-white base. The white porcelain is underglazed with blue, resulting in an elegant appearance.