Japan's Meiji Period Shiro Satsuma Yakimangok Painted with Gold and Flowers Baby Play Ukiyo-e Beauty Plate in Bemachi Japan

Diameter｜20.5CM Height｜3CM Era｜Meiji Era White Satsuma was first produced in the early Edo period. Due to its precious raw materials and delicate appearance, it was favored by high-status people in the Satsuma clan as a high-end product. Even after the Meiji Restoration, as a Japanese export, it became quite popular among European aristocrats and wealthy families. The "precious raw material" refers to soil. Since the white soil that is the raw material of Shiratatsuma is only available in a few places in Satsuma (Kagoshima), Shiratsatsuma itself is considered a valuable item. The "slim appearance" refers to the fine cracks on the surface. This kind of crack is called "penetration" and is caused by the difference in shrinkage between the soil part and the glaze (the smooth surface part). Other pottery is considered a failure if it has cracks, but White Satsuma has its "taste" only if it is penetrated.