What is Japanese Porcelain Arita Ware?

The Enduring History of Arita Ware

Japan has a long history of pottery and earthenware, which are among the oldest Japanese crafts and art forms, dating back to the Jomon period (14,000 BC–300 BC). However, porcelain production began approximately 400 years ago, in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

At the end of the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-98), Nabeshima Naoshige, the lord of the Saga domain, forced the Korean potter Yi Sam-Pyeong (also known as Kanagae Sanbei in Japanese) and his apprentices to relocate to his domain in Japan. Yi Sam-Pyeong was initially entrusted to the Taku family, the senior councilor of the Nabeshima clan.

Here, he built his first kiln. Yet, despite his expert knowledge of the craft, he found it challenging to produce porcelain to his liking due to the quality of the local materials. As a result, he decided to explore other locations in the Saga Domain and eventually discovered high-quality porcelain ore in Izumiyama, Arita. 

After his discovery, Yi Sam-Pyeong built a series of kilns around Arita, including the Tengudani Kiln. Despite his efforts, it wasn't until 1616 that porcelain could be consistently fired and presented to Lord Nabeshima Naoshige. The excavation of the Tengudani Kiln indicates that countless trials and firing techniques were employed, and it is believed that the first porcelain was fired alongside stoneware. The approximately 18-year gap between Yi Sam-Pyeong's arrival in Japan and the first successful porcelain firing highlights the immense difficulty of the craft.

With this monumental achievement, the Taku family bestowed upon him the name "Kanagae Sanbei," derived from his hometown of Kinkojima.

Over the next 30 years, Arita porcelain advanced rapidly, thanks to the abundant supply of high-quality porcelain ore from the Izumiyama clay mine. As more kilns were developed near the mine, the Sarayama Magistrate’s office was established, enabling the centralized control of materials, technology, and labor.

The Rise of Arita Porcelain in the International Market

During the 1640s, color glazing techniques in Arita were influenced by China, and patterns were developed for use with colored enamels. This shift was partly due to the transition from the Ming to the Qing Dynasty in China in 1644, which halted porcelain production in Jingdezhen. As a result, attention turned to Arita as a global hub of porcelain production.

Exports of Arita porcelain began in 1647 from the nearby Imari Port, leading Europeans to refer to it as Imari ware, after the port from which it was shipped.

High demand in both Asia and Europe compelled potters to create a variety of new designs and styles. Under the broad term "Imari ware," numerous styles with unique characteristics were produced.

Imari-Arita ware can be categorized into three main groups:

1. The Kakiemon style features a creamy white underglaze, known as nigoshide, complemented by an overglazing technique called Akae-e, which uses vivid reds, blues, greens, and yellows. The designs are largely influenced by Yamato-e paintings (traditional paintings from the late Heian and Kamakura periods) and are centered around nature. Its elegant design and use of blank space have led it to be described as "the beauty of space.
2. The Nabeshima style is considered the finest and most prestigious form of porcelain. It’s characterized by its blue base with shades of red, green, and blue in the overglaze decoration. These porcelain pieces were not typically for sale but were reserved for powerful members of society, such as the Nabeshima clan, royalty, feudal lords, and shoguns. From 1675, the Nabeshima clan moved their kilns to the steep hills of Okawachiyama Village to preserve their secretive techniques. It was in this village that Nabeshima-style porcelain was created.
3. The Ko-Imari style is the oldest and most common type. Ko means old, so Ko-Imari means old Imari style. Vivid colors such as reds and golds were used to create beautiful designs, which attracted people from Asia and Europe. Common motifs include geometric designs, flowers such as chrysanthemums, animals and fish, and mythical creatures like dragons. There are two techniques to the Ko-Imari style:
1. Sometsuke uses hues of blue on a white porcelain base.
2. Kinrade (gold brocade) burns and places gold-colored patterns on top of the decorated porcelain, adding a more elegant touch to the piece.

The Turn of Events

Arita continued to be the center of porcelain production throughout much of the Edo Period (1603–1868). However, a series of events forced the kilns to shift their focus more toward domestic business:

• The political situation in China stabilized, leading to the revival of Jingdezhen and other Chinese porcelain production, which quickly regained dominance in the global export market.
• In 1757, the Dutch East India Company terminated its official export business.
• The Arita Sarayama area was devastated by a massive fire, resulting in the loss of many lives, homes, and infrastructure.

During the Meiji Period (1868–1912), Arita slowly recovered as foreign artisans and craftsmen were invited to learn the porcelain craft and help develop infrastructure and technology in the area. As kilns began producing various types of porcelain, the general term "Arita ware" was introduced. Although the term appears sporadically in records from the Edo period, it came into widespread use after 1897.

The New Era of Arita Ware

Despite its troubled history, Arita ware is still internationally recognized for its intricate decoration and craftsmanship. In recognition of this, it was designated a nationally recognized traditional craft in 1977.

Visitors can also explore Suyama Shrine (formerly Hachiman Shrine), where Emperor Ojin, Nabeshima Naoshige, and Kanagae Sanbei are enshrined.

Despite Arita ware’s journey through periods of challenge and triumph, its core traditions have remained steadfast, earning it global recognition. Each piece embodies a rich history and reflects the skill, dedication, and artistry of the many artisans who work tirelessly to preserve this esteemed craft. 

In our next post, we’ll take you behind the scenes to explore the intricate process of making Arita ware.