Hataman Touen (畑萬陶苑), a Nabeshima ware kiln in Okawachiyama, Imari, Saga Prefecture, reached its 100th year in April 2026. To mark the anniversary, the kiln will sell a limited-edition "Nabeshima Cherry Blossom Pattern Demitasse Cup & Saucer" (鍋島 桜文 デミタスカップ＆ソーサー) at its "Autumn Heartfelt Pottery Festival" (秋の心陶祭), held from November 20 to 24 in Okawachiyama.
Nabeshima ware is regarded as a pinnacle of Japanese porcelain. Okawachiyama, where Hataman Touen was founded in 1926 (the first year of the Showa era), is the home of this tradition.
The 100th Anniversary Limited-Edition Demitasse Cup and Saucer
This demitasse cup and saucer was made in limited quantities to commemorate Hataman Touen's 100th anniversary. The cherry blossom pattern (桜文様), one of the most popular among Nabeshima designs, is painstakingly painted by hand by the kiln's craftspeople, from the surface of the cup to every corner of the saucer. The soft pink inside the cup and the handle with elegant gold decoration bring out the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
- Product name: Nabeshima Cherry Blossom Pattern Demitasse Cup & Saucer (鍋島 桜文 デミタスカップ＆ソーサー)
- Size: Cup: diameter 5.5 cm, height 6.5 cm / Saucer: diameter 12 cm, height 1.8 cm
- Capacity: 100 ml
- Price: ¥110,000 (tax included). Limited quantity
What Is the Nabeshima Style?
The Nabeshima style (鍋島様式) is an aesthetic that Nabeshima ware has carefully preserved as a traditional rule since the Edo period. Designs are composed of one underglaze color (blue) and three overglaze enamel colors (red, yellow, and green). Extremely fine, carefully drawn lines are filled with pale gradations built up in many layers, giving the pieces a dignified, refined look. The traditional Nabeshima patterns were originally made as presentation pieces, and their brilliance is paired with a restrained elegance rooted in Japan.
Hataman Touen at 100 Years
Hataman Touen was founded in 1926 (the first year of the Showa era) by its first-generation head, 畑石萬太郎. Okawachiyama was once the official kiln area of the Nabeshima Domain in Saga, where the highest level of ceramic technique was developed to produce presentation pieces for the Tokugawa shogunate and the feudal lords. Nabeshima ware has a 350-year history since the kilns were opened.
Carrying on the techniques, sense of beauty, culture, and spirit of Nabeshima ware cultivated in this region, Hataman Touen has spent 100 years working with ceramics. As tastes have shifted over time, the kiln has valued "the pursuit of essential beauty" and "an earnest approach to craft" while taking on new forms of expression and putting thought into each piece it makes.
The fifth-generation head, 畑石修嗣, says that looking ahead to the next 100 years, the kiln will take in new perspectives and sensibilities and keep learning, and that this steady accumulation of sincere craftsmanship is what will support Hataman Touen.
Autumn Heartfelt Pottery Festival (秋の心陶祭)
In conjunction with the "Nabeshima Domain Kilns Autumn Festival" (鍋島藩窯 秋祭り) held in Okawachiyama, Imari, Saga, Hataman Touen holds its Autumn Heartfelt Pottery Festival from Friday, November 20 to Tuesday, November 24.
In addition to the 100th anniversary limited-edition item, the festival will give an early look at a new atomizer perfume bottle, as well as figurines and decorative plates for the coming 2027 zodiac year. Visitors can also enjoy strolling and shopping in Okawachiyama in its autumn colors.
Kaleidoscope Sarasa Pattern Atomizer Perfume Bottle (Blue and Red) (万華鏡更紗文 アトマイザー香水瓶（青・赤）)
Year of the Sheep (干支 未) Octagonal Decorative Plate (八角飾皿)
Year of the Sheep (干支 未) Figurine (置物)
Event Details
- Event name: Hataman Touen Autumn Heartfelt Pottery Festival (畑萬陶苑〈秋の心陶祭〉)
- Dates: Friday, November 20 to Tuesday, November 24, 2026
- Venue: Hataman Touen (畑萬陶苑), 1820 Okawachi-cho Otsu, Imari, Saga
- Notes: During the festival, the limited-edition item and new releases are presented, and all items in the store are 10% off (some items excluded)
Online Shop Campaign
Hataman Touen's online shop also holds its customary campaign during the festival.
- Period: 12:00 AM on Friday, November 20 to 11:59 PM on Tuesday, November 24, 2026
- URL: https://shop.hataman.jp/
- Benefits: 10% off all items (some items excluded); free shipping on purchases of ¥10,000 or more (coupon code: 2026AS)
Visiting the Hataman Touen Gallery & Shop
Imari Nabeshima ware kiln Hataman Touen (伊万里鍋島焼窯元・畑萬陶苑)
The directly operated shop, Hataman Touen Gallery & Shop (畑萬陶苑 ギャラリー＆ショップ), has a manufacturing factory and a showroom, where visitors can pick up products in person before buying. Factory tours are also available for those who request one.
- Address: 1820 Okawachi-cho Otsu, Imari, Saga 848-0025 (〒848-0025 佐賀県伊万里市大川内町乙1820)
- TEL: 0955-23-2784
