TAISHŪ YAKI- Ceramics of Nagasaki Prefecture

 Taishū Yaki has a long history, originating from the Korea Buzan kilns back to the Silla Period. It was established on Tsushima Island (in what is now Nagasaki Prefecture). It was active in the Edo period, died out, was revived during the Meiji period and dwindled again. It was revived again in the mid 20th century. There are two kilns I know about, Taishū Yo ( Kobayashi Tōgo 小林東五) and Kudagama  久田窯 (Kusu Akihito 玖須明弘).

Photographing Japanese ceramic marks to bring out the writing

For thin walled porcelain use a flashlight from the inside out

 

Rub white starch into the mark

Press silly putty or similar into the mark, reverse image through photo editing

Rub graphite over the mark avoiding falling into the mark

Flashlight directed to the side 

 

Electrical tape pressed over the mark, reverse editing

Flashlight to the side on graphite smudge over mark

Photograph in a light box

Photograph on a tilt