Soekyu Seitosho

Soekyu Seitosho was established in Yoshida, Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture in 1953. They are one of the original fourteen Hizen-Yoshida potteries. Situated in the neighboring area of Arita which is well known as the birthplace of porcelain in Japan and for producing art works and tableware for professional use, the Yoshida area mainly produces tableware for daily use. In the beginning, the founder focused on producing tableware with painted motifs of ancient Chinese children. However, his son as the second generation, was good at painting techniques called “sumihajiki” (black ink painting) and “dami” (applying the brush to fill larger surface). Mr. Hisahiro Soejima, the current CEO and the third generation of Soekyu Seitosho, produces tableware making use of these inherited traditional techniques together with his wife, Ms. Michiko Soejima.

At their peak of popularity in the 1990s, when the area’s tableware was in high demand, Soekyu Seitosho had 10 staffs and they often participated in overseas exhibitions. However, the subsequent decrease in demand prompted them to change their business strategy. In 2015 they managed to develop the “Soekyu GOSU” series by using “dami” technique and applying blue pigments called “gosu” in Japanese on their porcelain wares. The “Soekyu GOSU” series has built up a new expression of “dami” with their very own five shades of “gosu”.

The development of this “Soekyu GOSU” series provided them with encouragement and they are actively collaborating with designers and with their local communities. While participating in exhibitions and sale events, the harmonious couple listen earnestly to their customers’ needs. While the taste of their products is natural and gentle, their desire for new challenges is strong.