JAPAN
and so forth. It is scarcely possible to overestimate the value attaching to pieces distinguished by the approval of such an amateur. Their weight in gold proved often but a fraction of their worth in the eyes of subsequent generations, for they became the representatives, not merely of names great in the history of keramics, but also of a creed reverenced by every student of art in succeeding centuries. The Takatori-yaki is one of the few Japanese wares that may be mistaken for a Chinese production. The lustre and softness of its glaze bear comparison with the chefs-d'œuvre of the Middle Kingdom. Unfortunately the choicest specimens are tiny, insignificant tea-jars.
Hachizo and his descendants are regarded as the chief potters of Takatori. The genealogy of the family is as follows:―
- Hachizo, founder of the family.
- Hachiroemon, son of Hachizo; died 1665.
- Hachiroemon, son of the above; died 1712.
- Tōhachi, son of Hachiroemon (the second); died 1752.
- Tōkichi, son of Tōhachi; died 1785.
- Tsunekichi, son of Tōkichi; died 1815.
- Kokichi, son of Tsunekichi; died 1854.
- Kōichi, son of Kokichi; now living.
The history of the Takatori potters shows that they frequently changed the site of their factory, doubtless in search of good clay. Thus in 1614, they were at Iso; in 1630, at Shirahata-yama; in 1662, at Tsutsumi-mura ; a little later, at Tajima-mura and Shimo- keigo-mura. Finally, in 1708, they moved to Shikahara-mura (Stag-plain village)—always, of course, keeping within the province of Chikuzen—and there, establishing a factory on the slope of Ueno-yama, manufactured censers, teacups, water-
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