Principal Saito explained to me that Hagi ware was originally made for Lord
Terumoto Mori for tea ceremonies and as gifts for his guests. Only royals
were to use the finest wares. So, the local pottery makers made chips on
the bottom of their wares to sell to merchants during the Edo period. The
traditional continues today of chipping the base of the cup. In the photo,
you can see such a chip.


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亮(ryo)