Jirozaemon Ureshino

Background

Ureshino Jirozaemon was born in Arita, Hizen (Saga Prefecture), Japan.

Career

About 1720, Jirozaemon was a notorious smuggler of pottery into India during the Kyoho Era. His accomplice was Kanemon Tomimura,and both are said to have amassed a fortune. It was mainly due to his smuggling that Koimari (Old Imari Pottery ) became famous throughout Europe.

Together with Kanemon, Ureshino Jirozaemon violated the shogunate’s prohibition and traded Arita porcelain overseas. His activities were soon brought to an end when he and his ring were arrested by the Shogunate. Jirozaemon with Shichizaemon Imazuya and a seaman named Tokuemon were imprisoned by his confession. He died on 1725 in jail.

Connections

accomplice:

Kanemon Tomimura