How is Japanese Porcelain Arita Ware Made?

Did you know that 46% of the products offered at JOC Goods is sourced from the Arita region?

Arita ware, a prominent form of Japanese porcelain, is known for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless beauty. Originating from Arita in Kyushu, Japan, this art form has a rich heritage that dates back to the early 17th century. In our previous post, we explored the history of Arita ware; in this guide, we will explain how it is made.

Historically, Arita ware was made from porcelain ore found in Izumiyama, which was discovered by the Korean potter Yi Sam-Pyeong. However, the area has been mined to such an extent that nearly all of the mountain has disappeared. As a result, 99% of Arita ware is now produced using Amakusa pottery stone from Kumamoto Prefecture.

This pottery stone undergoes numerous procedures and is then crafted by a series of highly skilled artisans into the stunning pieces that decorate our tables. 

Now, let’s take a closer look at how this process unfolds.

1. Porcelain Clay 

After mining the porcelain ore and pottery stone, the materials are ground into a powder, and any impurities, such as iron, are removed. This powder is then mixed with water to create clay.

2. Molding

The malleable clay is shaped into the desired form using various molding techniques:

• Spinning Potter's Wheel: The craftsman shapes the clay by hand using a classic spinning potter's wheel. A mechanical potter's wheel is also used for faster results.
• Stamping: Semi-dried clay is placed over a mold and hammered to conform to the mold's shape.
• Roller Machine: This technique involves pressing and stretching the clay into a special plaster mold using a metal head roller that rotates at high speed to form the clay into the desired shape.
• Drain Casting: A wet clay slurry is poured into a mold. Once the slurry reaches the required thickness, the excess is drained. This method is suitable for mass-producing teapots and vases.
• Pressure Casting: A wet slurry is poured into a stack of molds under pressure to form the desired shape. After the slurry has dried and thickened, it is removed from the mold. This technique is particularly effective for creating special vessel shapes, such as deformed or embossed objects.

3. Bisque Firing

The molded pieces are dried and then placed in a kiln at 1652°F (900°C) for about 10 hours in a process known as bisque firing. This process strengthens the pieces and helps prevent damage during glazing.

4. Underglaze Painting

The outlines of patterns and decorations are painted using a pigment called gosu. Once the outlines are complete, additional paint is applied inside the patterns. Individual kilns will also decorate their name or logo on the underside of the plate.

5. Glazing

The piece is then dipped in a milk-white glaze. Although the underglaze is not visible at this stage, once the piece is fired, the glaze turns into clear glass, making the surface glossy and transparent and revealing the underglaze patterns and painting.

6. Main Firing

The pieces undergo a second firing at a high temperature, around 2372°F (1300°C), for 12 hours. They are fired at a much higher temperature than pottery in a "reducing flame," where the material is burned with limited oxygen. This process results in porcelain with a white or blue-tinged color. While many modern kilns are electric, traditional kilns, such as the Ri Sanpei Kiln, sometimes use wood.

7. Overglazing

After the second firing, the pieces are cooled and painted with various colorful overglaze paints. These can be applied by hand (which is more expensive and requires greater skill) or using stencils.

8. Final Firing

After the overglaze has been applied, the pieces undergo their final firing at a lower temperature of around 1472°F (800°C). This step helps bring out the color of the glaze.

Arita ware continues to evolve with the times, yet its core principles of skill, artistry, and passion remain steadfast. Each piece undergoes a meticulous process that spans several days, requiring the highest level of craftsmanship to complete.

As you hold each expertly crafted piece, you can feel the rich history, beauty, and dedication infused into the porcelain. We hope you gain a different level of appreciation as you explore our collection and experience the legacy of Arita ware in our online shop.