Chin Jukan Kiln

沈壽官窯

Nestled in Miyama, Hioki, Kagoshima Prefecture, lies a historic Satsuma-ware pottery kiln founded in 1598 with a legacy spanning over 420 years. The Chin family, descendants of Korean potters, have been the proud masters of this kiln, serving the Satsuma domain for generations. Their artistry reached international acclaim at the 1873 Vienna World's Fair, where a magnificent six-foot tall, polychrome vase by the 12th generation Chin Jukan astonished visitors, forever linking "Satsuma" with the pinnacle of Japanese ceramics. The kiln is particularly renowned for its Shiro Satsuma, celebrated for its soft, milky glaze, intricate painted details, and delicate openwork. Today, these exquisite pieces continue to captivate people from around the world.

On the kiln's grounds, you'll find the workshop with windows that let you watch the potters at work; a traditional climbing kiln for firing different kinds of pottery; and a gallery with ceramic pieces to admire and purchase. Delve into the history of Satsuma-ware at