Groups by Style

Arita porcelain is roughly classified into three groups by style.

The first is called the "Ko-Imari" group. During feudal times Arita porcelain was loaded on ships at Imari Port which was more than l0 kilo meters distant from Arita. "Ko" means old. So this old style is called "Ko-Imari" It has remarkable characteristics. Most of the pieces of Ko-Imari are decorated with picture patterns on the entire surface. Gold and silver are used generously. Dragons, chrysanthemums, peonies, pine trees, bamboo and plum blossoms are often seen in brilliant and dazzling patterns. In this group we find the influence of China, the baroque and rococo fine arts of Europe and the fully-matured culture of the Japanese people at that time.

The second group is called "Kakiemon". The picture patterns on the milk-white background color are intentionally unbalanced on the right and left. In old times these designs were so popular in Europe that copies were baked at the Meissen Kiln. Even now the Meissen Kiln produces the porcelain in the Kakiemon style.

The third group is called "Iro-Naboshima". Time was when those products of this group were produced only for presentation to Emperors, Shoguns and feudal lords as well as for daily used by Lord Nabeshima and his family, rulers of this area. Commoners were barred from access to "Iro-Nabeshima". After the collapse of feudalism, however, it became available to anyone. It still retains its noble elegance for which it has been noted for centuries.

Arita -- international small town for 400 years