Research on Chaozhou Ceramics of Song Dynasty Excavated in Japan: A Case Study of Hakata Sites

Tanaka Katsuko

Abstract: Since Chaozhou Ceramics in Song Dynasty were exported mainly to the Southeast Asia, a large amount of reports and papers focuses on the Southeast Asia. However, there is little research on Chaozhou Ceramics’ exporting to South Asia. Hakata in North Kyushu of Japan was appointed as the only port for the maritime trade between Song Dynasty and Japan. A large quantity of ceramics was excavated in Hakata Sites. Excavated ceramics of Hakata Sites retained the same feature as when they were imported, according to which the chronology and assemblage study of imported ceramics can be established. In other words, the excavated ceramics of the trading port could not only provide information about ceramic trading situation but also disclose important answers to the questions of ceramic production that were not completely solved on the kiln excavation.

Based on the analysis of the Chaozhou Ceramics excavated from Hakata sites, it discloses that most of the Chaozhou Ceramics were exported to Japan from the second half of 11thto the first half of 12thcentury. During this period, the production of Chaozhou Kilns reached its peak. Some Chaozhou Ceramics found in Hakata show the possibility of Guangdong merchants must have participated in the trade between Song China and Japan. Furthermore, this paper will also include the discussion on the trade route from Chaozhou to Hakata.

Keywords: Trade between Song Dynasty and Japan; Chaozhou Ceramics；Hakata; Trade Port; Maritime Merchants of Song Dynasty

（執行編輯：吳婉惠）