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Subject:Re: Hirasa Ware, Satsuma, Tokugawa
Posted By: Martin Michels Mon, Nov 05, 2018
Dear Frederic,
The mark in my opinion reads (your picture is upside down): Sasshu 薩州 Sei 製 (Made by Sasshu) in Japanese Kanji. In Chinese: Sàzhōu Zhi (made by Sazhou). See my picture 1.
However, was not able to find anything about this name.
If Japanese, I don't think it's Hirasa ware. Hirasa Yaki is very rare to find, I only found 1 item on the internet, see pictures 2 and 3.
As you can see, that looks more like Satsuma ware than your cup. Old Satsuma ware is earthenware, not porcelain.
In the book of Hazel H. Gorham: Japanese & Oriental Ceramics" is written about Hirasa:
"A ware which is almost indistinguishable from Satsuma is Hirasa yaki, sometimes called Sarayama yaki, because the kiln was in Sarayama village of Hirasa".
Which is in line with my remark about Satsuma pottery. I found another text as well: " Hirasa-yaki is started in 1776, but it closed down after a few years".
So, Hirasa? I don't think so. 18th century? I don't know, but not likely.
But hopefully one of the other experts can tell more or comment on my findings.
Regards,
Martin.
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