Kakiemon: 005

Nagatake, Takeshi

Arts & Photography

Kodansha USA Inc

FAMOUS CERAMICS OF JAPAN offers for the first time a comprehensive and visual kiln-by-kiln color survey of the major wares of Japan. Each large-format volume is designed to give an image of the essence of a ware and to allow it to be instantly recognized. The appearance and explosive development of Japanese domestic porcelain production, centered in the Arita area of Kyushu, is nothing less than a marvel. In 1590, the handful and kilns scattered throughout Japan made only rough stoneware agricultural and utility pots; by 1650, Japan was producing some of the world's most sophisticated porcelains and began exporting them to the West. It is well known that the first porcelain potters in Japan were brought from Korea. In addition to their sophisticated potting techniques and cobalt underglaze decoration, Japanese potters learned Chinese overglaze enamel techniques, and the brilliant porcelains of Kyushu appeared almost overnight. The porcelains were shipped through the port of Imari and hence became known by that name. These vigorous and bright wares soon found their way to the markets of Europe, where they were quickly emulated and helped stimulate European porcelain production. The author, Takeshi Nagatake was a professor of art at Saga Women's College and curator of the Arita Ceramic Museum.

Imari (Famous Ceramics of Japan #6)

Distributed by Kodansha International/USA through Harper & Row

Japan has long had a thriving tradition of high-quality handcrafted ceramics, including some of the world's most sophisticated porcelains. This highly informative volume written by a leading authority describes the origin and development of the elegant Imari and Kakiemon porcelain wares which were in great demand in Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Kaolin was discovered in the Arita area of Kyushu in the early seventeenth century. The first porcelain wares were made by immigrant Korean potters, from whom Japanese potters were quick to learn new potting techniques and cobalt blue underglaze decoration. Local wares were further enriched by enamel overglaze techniques introduced from China not long afterwards. High standards were ensured by the strict administration of the governing Nabeshima fief, and within just a few decades Arita had become the hub of Japan's booming export trade in high-quality porcelain. Porcelain produced in the Arita kilns came to be known as Imari ware, named after the nearby port from which local wares were shipped. The Kakiemon family gained particular renown for the quality of their color enamels and artistic designs. With 95 color plates illustrating some rare and classic Imari and Kakiemon pieces from museums and private collections, this volume will appeal to collectors as well as enthusiasts.

Classic Japanese Porcelain: Imari and Kakiemon

History & Criticism

Kodansha USA

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