Page 22 - Catalogue of the Edward Morse collection of Japanese pottery MFA BOSTON

3 INTRODUCTION
Hisho ; articles in Ko Kwa by Professor Imaidsumi Kaga Etchu Tqji-
;
Koso by Shohata Takaoka ; and Toki Shoshi by Koga Seishu. I have also
derived matter from single printed sheets on Toshiro and his descendants,
and also on certain forms of Banko, Raku, and other potteries. Special
interviews with the famous potters of Kyoto, notably Kichizayemon, Yeiraku,
Dohachi, Rokubei, Kitei, and Zoroku have added many points concerning
this great centre of the potter's art. The potters and antiquarians of
Musashi, Owari, Kii, Higo, Suo, Aki, and other provinces have also aided
me in my inquiries. During my residence in Japan I was in more or less
intimate relations with a number of pottery experts. I would especially men-
tion Ninagawa, Maida, Kohitsu, Kashiwage, Kimura, and others. My chief
sources of information, outside the above-mentioned books and men, have
been interviews with leading collectors, chajins, and antiquarians in many
parts of the Empire. The collectors freely allowed me to make sketches
of their specimens and " rubbings " of the marks. Since my return to this
country I have to acknowledge my very great indebtedness to Mr. Hiro-
michi Shugio, the author of the classical catalogue of the Waggaman col-
lection ; to Mr. Bunkio Matsuki ; and to Mr. Michitaro Hisa. Mr. Shugi5
has aided in the identification of many obscure pieces, and has spent day
after day studiously examining the collection. Mr. Matsuki, who owes his
first interest and knowledge of Japanese pottery to me, has, during his
frequent visits to Japan, secured many items of importance from the potters
themselves, and has been particularly skilful in interpreting obscure marks.
And Mr. Hisa has translated two modern works for me, besides securing
very valuable information regarding the pottery of his native province,
Iwaki. Nor must I forget Mr. Takano, who, with Mr. Hisa, has drawn
most of the marks which are here published. In his work Mr. Takano
has also interpreted many marks that were puzzles to every one in Japan,
notably the enigma of Yohachi. I cannot neglect here to acknowledge
my indebtedness to Mr. Shioda, Mr. Yamataka, Director of the National
Museum in Tokyo ; and to a host of Japanese friends, who have, by corre-
spondence and otherwise, aided in throwing light on obscure points.
Finally, I have made many determinations by a critical comparison of
unidentified specimens and marks with specimens the attribution of which
could not be gainsaid.
I mention all these facts, as the sources of information, outside the few
beaten tracks, are scant and too inadequate for a proper exposition of the
subject. It is, therefore, with some reluctance, and after considerable delay,
that I present this preliminary catalogue.