Principal Saito explained to me that Hagi ware was originally made for Lord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.

Others wanted to use these fine cups, 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 and you will see the chip on your
child’s cup.




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亮(ryo)