Just the name Arita ware gives off the impression of being expensive... But did you know that there are multiple types of Arita ware? We'd like to introduce you to the fascinating world of Arita ware!
Characteristics of Arita ware
It is said that the pottery that is the raw material for Arita ware was discovered in Izumiyama, Arita Town by Yi Sam-pyeong in the early 17th century. Arita ware has a base color as white as snow and makes a metallic clang when tapped with the fingers.
This allows the delicate paintings to stand out in vibrant colors. The raw materials used are Izumiyama pottery stone and Amakusa pottery stone, but different materials are used depending on the type of porcelain, and the pieces are classified under several names depending on the porcelain made and style.
It is also called Imari ware because it was shipped from Imari Port.
Three styles
Old Imari style
This refers to old Imari ware. It refers to Imari ware from the Edo period. Works decorated with gold, red, green, and yellow overglazes on an indigo blue base are called the Old Imari style.
The basic combination of indigo blue with the green removed, gold, and red is sometimes called "Koimari with gold lining." It was popular in Europe and was exported in large quantities.
Nabeshima clan kiln style
It is characterized by its beautiful bluish color and the pattern on the back.
There are three techniques for making Nabeshima ware: "Iro Nabeshima," which is based on blue and white porcelain and the three colors of red, blue, and green; "Ai Nabeshima," which is intricately painted in indigo; and "Nabeshima Celadon," which has a natural blue-green color.
This is the general term for high-quality porcelain produced in the Saga Domain (Nabeshima Domain) from the 17th to 19th centuries. It was produced as gifts for the Shogun and feudal lords of the time.
Kakiemon (early colored) style
This is a style of porcelain established by the first Kakiemon, in which red painting is applied to a milky white (nigde) base. It is characterized by a composition with wide white space. When it was exported to Europe, imitations were made by Meissen porcelain makers and others.
Conclusion
The impact of the new coronavirus has hit tourist destinations across the country hard, including producers who sell their products to these destinations.
Traditional crafts that have been cherished throughout Japan's long history may soon be going out.
We The
In order to keep that flame alive, Ichi has prepared a Wajima lacquerware restoration bag as part of the Pottery Restoration Project.
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