Vintage vase on a stand by the Fukagawa workshops. Porcelain, glaze, hand-painted. Japan, 20th century.Since 1650, the art of making fine porcelain has been in the hands of the Fukagawa family. History suggests that this occurred shortly after the Korean Ri Sampei first discovered the white stone of Mount Izumiyama, making porcelain production a reality in Japan.In fact, it is quite possible that the first Fukagawa to begin porcelain production had just returned from the Korean War and, while in Kyushu, decided to take up this new craft.For the next 250 years, the family continued to follow Japanese traditions, passing the art from father to son. In 1894, Mr. Chuji Fukagawa adopted the Mount Fuji trademark, and in 1900, Fukagawa porcelain was first exported to Europe. In 1910, the highest award was received. That year, Fukagawa porcelain was appointed supplier to the Imperial Household, thus becoming the representative of the Japanese Porcelain Manufacturers' Society. For many years, Fukagawa maintained this high standard of quality.