In the latter half of the 17th century, the Hizen Nabeshima feudal clan established official kilns in Okawachiyama, a village within the Imari region of Saga Prefecture. The kiln would become known for its exquisitely high quality Imari Nabeshima ware, often given as a formal offering to a feudal lord or noble. Such was the pride that Okawachiyama took in its skills that the village came to be known as “The Village of the Secret Kilns” for its dedication to preserving the exclusivity of its techniques, never showing or lending them to outsiders. It was in this proud tradition that Hataman Touen was founded in 1926, at the dawn of the Showa era.
The company was established under the name “Mansho-gama” by Mantaro Hataishi, and has continued to operate under his descendants for over 90 years. While carefully protecting and nurturing the techniques they have inherited, they have also actively engaged in the development of new products and technological innovations. Under Haruyuki and Masahiro Hataishi, the second and third generation leaders, the company established a strong reputation under the “Hataman” brand for its beautiful, high-quality “sansui-e” (landscape) paintings which evoke the rich natural scenery of Okawachiyama.
In the 1990s, the fourth-generation leader and current president Shinji Hataishi began to develop dolls and perfume bottles for the company’s offerings. Their products became popular for their ease of handling and for their delicate portrayal of the natural beauty of Japan. He is currently working with his son Shuji, the next generation’s leader to develop the next stage in the evolution of Nabeshima porcelain.
