Early Edo Period – Present
imado pottery
Hanshichi I was from Imado, Asakusa, Musashi Province, and created unglazed roof tiles and course vessels in this same location. Hanshichi also worked as a potter there. However, it is known that he began working on “tofuro”, clay furnaces, around the Jokyo Period (1684-1688), as well as firing hibachis. He was the first to be called the Imado clay furnace master, and since then the name Hanshichi was inherited for generations. (He passed in 1732.)
Hanshichi II
inherited the clay furnace making business, but he began applying glaze to the roof tiles and making wares reminiscent of Raku ware. It is said that around this time, around 10 other potters who imitated Hanshichi opened business in the same area, and these works have since come to be called Imado ware. (He passed in 1744.)
Hanshichi III
worked on the family business of making clay furnaces and Raku ware, and additionally created a toy statue similar to the Fushimi dolls of Kyoto, which he dubbed “Imado dolls.” He sold these Imado dolls as a specialty of Asakusa. (He passed in 1759.)
Hanshichi IV
took on another name, Ryosai, in addition to the name Hanshichi, and while he continued the work of creating clay furnaces and Imado dolls, he also created incense holders that looked like the Eurasian oystercatcher bird and sold them under his new name (he passed in 1813).
Hanshichi V and Hanshichi VI
inherited the techniques of Hanshichi IV, also utilizing the name Ryosai and mainly creating clay furnaces, Raku wares, Imado dolls, and Eurasian oystercatcher incense holders.
