ALEXCIOUS

A side order of Japanese heritage?

Arita-yaki (IMARI) for daily use

The elegant ‘Side Plate’ features an arabesque foliage and flower design of Edo Period (1603~1867) origin.

With two centuries of techniques up their sleeves, the ‘ Japan Snow’ magicians have created a ‘ Side Plate’, perfect for bread, hors d’ oeuvre, etc. An ideal serving dish to accompany the triple-tiered Arita-yaki cuisine presentation box, it also works great next to a ‘ Snow Bowl’ of soup or noodles as a bread plate or mini salad dish.

The recipe of these extraordinary pieces of art?

Exceptionally fine craftsmanship and traditional patterns with a modern feel is the answer. Striking the right balance between practicality and affordability, the ‘ Japan Snow’ the collection is lovely enough to be displayed, though it can and should be enjoyed every day.

Arita Porcelain Lab (Japan Snow)

To suit modern sensibilities, Satoru Matsumoto (7th generation proprietor of the historic Yazaemon Kiln) envisioned a chic, more durable collection of Arita-yaki (IMARI) porcelain with cool color combinations based on traditional patterns. The natural matte white porcelain of the Japan Snow Side Plate (1.5 times more dense than usual) is combined with traditional arabesque designs and finished in genuine matte platinum. Maintaining the high quality of the kiln’s heritage, the ‘ Side Plate’ has a cool elegance perfect for the tasteful interiors of 21st-century homes.

Arita-yaki Porcelain

Arita-yaki was Japan’s very first porcelain. Originating in the town of Arita on the southern island of Kyushu, Korean potters first discovered kaolin there in 1616. Techniques were developed and refined to produce porcelain ware with a uniquely Japanese flavor. The industry grew to become world famous and continues to be fired in the Arita area.

Yazaemon Kiln

Founded in 1804 by one Yazaemon Matsumoto, the Yazaemon Kiln (as it came to be known) has specialized in creating the elaborate gold painted designs on white porcelain, for which IMARI (Arita-yaki) is world famous. Though export of Yazaemon IMARI ceased during the Meiji Period (1868-1912), it has resumed in recent years with Gold IMARI pieces being well received both domestically and overseas. Under the current proprietor’s leadership, the Yazaemon Kiln has become the country's largest producer of Arita-yaki porcelain, and is known in Japan for its museum-quality pieces.

Early IMARI Exports

Beginning in 1650, Arita-yaki porcelain was exported through the Dutch West India Company from the port of Imari, and hence became known as IMARI. Enjoyed throughout much of Europe, the most famous of IMARI’s many patrons was Augustus II (Elector of Saxony / King of Poland). Admiring the pieces so much, indeed believing they were equal in value to silver and gold, he ordered alchemist Johann Friedrich Bottger to produce pieces in Germany. Marking the origins of Meissen porcelain, after much trial and error by his predecessor, Bottger finally succeeded.