This time, we will introduce the history of Imari's Arita porcelain, a traditional Japanese art that boasts worldwide popularity.
The origin of Arita porcelain dates back to the end of the 16th century, when it was made by potters brought back to Japan from Korea. During this period, the tea utensils used were earthenware called tsuchimono. Porcelain could not be fired in Japan yet, and porcelain imported from China and Korea was hardly available to the general public, and was a luxury item reserved only for the upper class.
As soon as he returned to Japan, he started to have Korean potters make pottery, and his exclusive technical skills soon fascinated not only Japan but also the world from that time. We know that by the 17th century, 1.23 million items had already been exported around the world.
In the 18th century, Arita porcelain became a purveyor to the imperial court (now called a purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency), and from that time onwards, the imperial family began to use beautiful blue-and-white porcelain.
At that time, potters with outstanding skills were treated favorably by the shogunate, and in order to prevent leaks of technology, a checkpoint was set up to strictly control the comings and goings of craftsmen.
From these facts, we can clearly feel how special Arita porcelain was throughout history.
In the 19th century, porcelain ware, which was once only available to the upper classes, became a household item for the common people and came to decorate the dining table. Utagawa Hiroshige, Utagawa Toyokuni, and other well-known ukiyo-e artists of the Edo period depicted tableware and dishes that conveyed a rich food culture.
It is pointed out that the degree of maturity of food culture, such as the variety of tableware and unique Japanese dining manners, was far more sophisticated in the East than in Europe until the 17th and 18th centuries, judging from the food scenes depicted in paintings. It is said that some researchers do.
Today, Japanese food has gained popularity around the world and has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Most of the basic cooking methods were established in the Edo period, and it goes without saying that Arita porcelain, which is beautiful to look at, durable and functionally excellent, has greatly influenced its development. .
Arita porcelain has contributed greatly to the development of the food culture that Japan still boasts to the world.
Among such Arita porcelain, large plates and jars are difficult to manufacture because the pottery itself has disappeared, and demand is increasing due to collectors' collection and investment purposes due to their rarity. I'm here.
The Arita porcelain handled by SUPER VINTAGE is all supreme works that have become difficult to manufacture at present. Please take a look at the charm in the concierge room.