Satsuma ware is a pottery style from the late 16th century. It first originated from the Satsuma Province (modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture) on Kyushu Island, Japan. The Satsuma region was chosen as the best spot for developing kilns as the local clay was more accessible due to its proximity to the Korean peninsula. Korean prisoners captured by the forces of Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the invasion of the Korean peninsula were the original artists who produced Satsuma pottery in the late 16th century. After settling in Japan, these artists reproduced conditions to nurture and create their art throughout the Edo period (1603-1868). Lord Shimazu had brought talented Korean potters to Japan and this event played a crucial role in its initial development.

Early Satsuma ware pottery was created from dark clay and later with white clay. The white pieces were reserved for the aristocrats and the black wares were sold specifically to the commoners. Ko-Satsuma, a heavy dark glaze style with a simple design, and Kyo-satsuma featuring its ivory-coloured ground with finely crackled transparent glaze, are two distinct types of Satsuma ware. The early Satsuma ware was also often subdued in colour, but later pieces from the Meiji era and beyond were known for their vibrant and elaborate colour schemes. Satsuma ware includes a wide range of items, such as vases, bowls, teapots, and figurines. Each piece can vary in form, from simple utilitarian objects to various other highly decorative art pieces. While early Satsuma ware was more functional, later pieces, especially from the Meiji era were often prioritised for decorative aesthetics. Korean potters that started the production of Satsuma wares became well known for their ceramic contributions which fueled the growth of the Japanese ceramic industry.

The first early recognition of Satsuma ware was after the first presentation at the Paris Exposition of 1867. Pieces depicted cherry blossoms, birds and flowers, and other daily life Japanese scenes. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), Satsuma ware experienced exponential growth. It was in this period that traditional Japanese styles were blended with Western influences. The Satsuma potters had now begun to produce more minute detailed pieces with intricate, multi-coloured designs that appealed to both domestic and international markets. This era marked the peak of Satsuma ware's popularity, especially among Western collectors. The crackled glaze was one of its best features, and the designs depicted decorative patterns such as flora, fauna, and historical or folklore scenes. Another widely known Satsuma ware style in the West was the Imperial ware which appears to have been iced with a piping bag. The floral and geometric designs tend to be large in red, blue, green, and other vibrant colours.

Satsuma ware stayed popular with the general public and was produced in factories until the late 1980s. It's a fine example of Japanese ceramic art, a perfect blend of historical craftsmanship with evolving artistic trends. Its distinctive design elements, such as the crackle glaze and intricate patterns, made it a treasured part of Japan's cultural heritage. This history of Satsuma ware reflects broader cultural exchanges and artistic developments, illustrating its significance both in Japan and abroad.