Arita-yaki
PotteryKyushu
National Traditional Craft
Price range
¥3,000 ~ ¥500,000
Porcelain from Arita, Saga Prefecture, known for vivid overglaze enamel decoration.
Arita-yaki is a style of Japanese porcelain originating from the town of Arita in Saga Prefecture, first produced in the early 17th century after Korean potter Yi Sam-pyeong discovered porcelain stone in the area. Known for its refined white body and vivid cobalt-blue underglaze decoration, Arita-yaki became Japan's first true porcelain. Pieces were exported extensively to Europe via the Dutch East India Company, profoundly influencing European ceramics including Meissen and Delft.
Materials
Porcelain clay, cobalt, enamel
Techniques
Wheel throwing, overglaze enamel painting