Japanese Pottery Markings

Japanese Pottery Markings

The Japanese have one of the longest continuous culture of ceramics in the world, with the first ceramics dating from around 10 000 BC. T

The tea ceremony of the 15th century

The popularity of the tea ceremony of the 15th century fostered an aesthetic appreciation of ceramics, especially imported Chinese goods, which became a value as works of art. Strong demand for ceramics resulted in an increase of creativity during the Momoyama period (1573-1603), with thousands of furnaces to develop their own distinct regional characteristics. High-fired earthenware were central to this tradition.

Ri Sampei, the "father" of Japanese porcelain

After the Japanese invasions of Korea in 1592 and 1598, a number of skilled Korean potters had learned from the Chinese as the production of fine china, were brought back to Japan. Some of these settled in Arita in northern Kyushu, where they discovered porcelain clay. One of the craftsmen of Korean porcelain Ri Sampei. It is considered the "father" of Japanese porcelain. The area became a major center of Japanese porcelain production and its products are also exported from the port of Imari.

Late Ming and Japanese Edo period (1603-1868)

Because of difficulties with trade in China in late Ming China, and Japan's economy improved during the Momoyama period (1573-1615), a strong demand for Japanese ceramics led to a surge in creativity. Thousands of furnaces developed its own regional style. High-fired earthenware were central to this tradition. This is also when we say that modern Japanese porcelain industry began.

During the 17th and early 18th century Japanese porcelain was very popular in Europe and successfully competed with the Chinese. Blue and white Arita porcelain was copied from the tin-glazed earthenware in many parts of Europe, of which faiance Dutch Delft is the most famous. During the 18th century Kakiemon enamel decoration was also widely copied in England. Although the production of Japanese porcelain developed their own styles, the influence of Chinese and Korean ceramic traditions often and can be easily found.

Even when Japan lived isolated from the rest of the world during the Edo period (1603-1868), significant amounts of Japanese porcelain was exported to Western countries, especially by the Company of the Netherlands East Indies.