Ceramics

Arita Ware

有田焼

RegionSaga — 有田町・伊万里市・武雄市
Originsc. 1616
StatusMETI-designated Traditional Craft

About Arita Ware

Arita ware is porcelain produced centered around Arita Town, Saga Prefecture. Japan's first porcelain, it began in 1616 when Korean potter Yi Sam-pyeong discovered suitable clay in Hizen-Izumiyama. Exported to Europe as 'Imari' through the Dutch East India Company, it was treasured by royalty worldwide. Today over 6 million pieces are produced annually, making it Japan's largest porcelain center.

Techniques & Materials

Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.

Techniques

染付赤絵色絵金彩白磁

Materials

泉山陶石天草陶石コバルト顔料

Where to see & buy

Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.

Where it is made

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