Arita Ware "Izumiyama Clay Mine"

Izumiyama Clay Mine and Saraya Magistrate

Arita ware made great progress in a surprisingly short period of time. One of the reasons for this is the development of the Izumiyama clay mine as a reliable source of high-quality porcelain clay. In 1637, to prevent erosion of the mountains due to excessive logging of trees for fuel, the Saga clan consolidated the Arita Saraya (later known as Sarayama) kilns. Potteries were concentrated in eastern Arita near the Izumiyama clay mine, and a manufacturing system dedicated to pottery production was established. Later, the office of the Saraya Magistrate (later Sarayama Magistrate) was established, enabling materials, technology, and labor to all be controlled by a central authority.