Rediscovering the Satsuma Potter Togo Jukatsu : His Contributions and Historical Significance

Togo Jukatsu (Park Su-seung, 1855~1936) was a descendant of Boku Heii (Park Pyeong-ui, 1558~1623), a Korean potter who was abducted to Japan during the Second Japanese Invasion of Korea. Together with the 12th Chin Jukan, Togo played a pivotal role in the Satsuma kilns of Naeshirogawa, contributing significantly to their legacy from the Meiji to the Taisho period. Despite his importance in the history of Satsuma pottery, Togo’s contributions have been largely overlooked in academia. This study challenges the assumption that Togo ceased pottery production after changing his family name from Boku to Togo, revealing instead that he continued crafting pottery until the age of 67, contributing to Naeshirogawa production for approximately 46 years (c. 1875-1921). Through a detailed examination of surviving documents, exhibition records from the Meiji era, and his works, this research re-evaluates Togo’s achievements. An extensive survey-including museum collection analyses and field investigations in Kagoshima-identified 40 ceramic pieces attributed to Togo across institutions such as the Kagoshima City Museum, the Museum of the Imperial Collections Sannomaru Shozokan, the Nagashima Museum, the Tokyo National Museum, the Reimeikan Kagoshima Prefectural Center for Historical Material, the State Hermitage Museum in Russia, and Victoria and Albert Museum of Art. Of these, 34 pieces were selected for in-depth analysis and categorized into three chronological periods, illustrating the evolution of Togo’s techniques and artistry over time. This research highlights Togo’s significant contributions, particularly in maintaining Naeshirogawa pottery production following the passing of the 12th Chin Jukan. Notably, this paper examines ceramics brought to Russia by Prince Nicholas II in his visit to Kagoshima in 1891, underscoring Togo’s role in international cultural exchanges. By<br/>providing a historical assessment of his work, this study positions Togo Jukatsu as a key figure in the development of Satsuma pottery and sheds new light on his legacy and contributions.