Arita ware – Imari ware

(western part of the Saga Prefecture, northern Kyushu, Japan)

Late 16th century        Start of production in the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1573–1603). According to tradition, a Korean potter named Ri Sampei produced the first Japanese porcelain 

Early 17th century       Documented production of early Imari ware (1620–1660), named after the port from which the porcelain was shipped

Mid-17th century         Sakaida Kizaemon (Kakiemon) started to use coloured enamels on the glaze (overglaze enamelling)

Second half of 17th century Arita ware is imported into Europe primarily by the Dutch East India Company. Brocade ware (nishikide) with cobalt blue underglaze and overglaze enamelling and gold brocade ware (kinrande) become important exports. Items were often produced based on European models

Mid-18th century         Porcelain exports to Europe fall as European workshops start to produce cheaper porcelain. Focus on the domestic market

Early 19th century       Decoration inspired by the ukiyo-e school of art, which was popularized by woodblock printing

1828                            Fire destroys most Arita workshops

Mid-19th century         Exports overseas as sales to Europe start to rise again

1862                            Ware presented at the Great London Exposition

1867                            Ware presented at the World’s Fair in Paris

Late 19th century        New porcelain companies are founded: Koransha (1875), Seiji Kaisha (1879), Fukagawa (1894)

Arita porcelain companies continue to produce Arita ware to this day.

(JMl)