Imari (Famous Ceramics of Japan #6)

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.