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Arita Porcelain

Arita Porcelain

Seventh-generation family-owned ceramics workshop, Arita Porcelain Lab has carried on the Arita-yaki kiln craftsmanship legacy for over four centuries.

The Arita-yaki kiln dates back to the early 17th century when the head of the Nabeshima clan, Naoshige Nabeshima, unearthed the mineral matters that have ever since been used to make Arita's porcelain. Located in the Saga Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Arita quickly became the epicenter for porcelain production and knowledge in Japan. The Arita-yaki kiln and the porcelain industry thrived until the 20th century — As other crafts and local industries, it then suffered through the World Wars and their significant socio-economic impacts on Japan.

Magnetic ore was first discovered in Japan by Lee San-Pei in 1616. This discovery triggered the beginning of the renowned Arita ware. Mining lasted for the 380 years between the Edo era and the mid-Meiji era, and is said to have “converted an entire mountain into porcelain within 400 years”. The 400-year-long history of Arita ware is due to its development into products of distinct characteristics at various sites, mainly into the three most famous styles: Koimari, Kakiemon, and Ironabeshima. Further interactions with foreign countries led to the creation of the Kinrande-style. Today, Arita Porcelain Lab's masters are part of the rarefied local ceramicists that continue to perpetuate the Arita time-honored techniques, making porcelain of the highest quality, using materials and processes unique to the territory.

Seventh-generation family-owned ceramics workshop, Arita Porcelain Lab has carried on the Arita-yaki kiln craftsmanship legacy for over four centuries.

The Arita-yaki kiln dates back to the early 17th century when the head of the Nabeshima clan, Naoshige Nabeshima, unearthed the mineral matters that have ever since been used to make Arita's porcelain. Located in the Saga Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Arita quickly became the epicenter for porcelain production and knowledge in Japan. The Arita-yaki kiln and the porcelain industry thrived until the 20th century — As other crafts and local industries, it then suffered through the World Wars and their significant socio-economic impacts on Japan.

Magnetic ore was first discovered in Japan by Lee San-Pei in 1616. This discovery triggered the beginning of the renowned Arita ware. Mining lasted for the 380 years between the Edo era and the mid-Meiji era, and is said to have “converted an entire mountain into porcelain within 400 years”. The 400-year-long history of Arita ware is due to its development into products of distinct characteristics at various sites, mainly into the three most famous styles: Koimari, Kakiemon, and Ironabeshima. Further interactions with foreign countries led to the creation of the Kinrande-style. Today, Arita Porcelain Lab's masters are part of the rarefied local ceramicists that continue to perpetuate the Arita time-honored techniques, making porcelain of the highest quality, using materials and processes unique to the territory.