JP: 鍋島/なべしま
Porcelain products, regarded as the best example of Japanese porcelain, made at the kiln owned by the Nabeshima clan. In the 17th century, the official Nabeshima clan kiln at Okawachi mountain produced highly refined porcelain wares exclusively for use by the nobility, at parties among the lords and given as gifts to the Shogun. These products were not allowed to be duplicated or even imitated on the general market. Highly skilled craftsmen from Arita were taken to work at the Nabeshima kiln, where they were fiercely guarded in order to keep their techniques secret.
