This is the first book in English to document what Japanese porcelain was like before it was "discovered" in Europe, and thereafter made with a view to foreign, rather than Japanese, tastes. It is also the first in-depth study of the working practices of the pottery kilns of the seventeenth century. Impey assesses the individual kilns at Arita and reconstructs a detailed and fascinating picture of how these beautiful, little-known objects were made.

Imari and Kakiemon wares are produced in the Arita area of Kyushu, a focus ofomestic porcelain production since the 17th century. In addition to theophisticated potting techniques and cobalt/celadon underglaze decorationearned from Korea, Japanese potters learned Chinese overglaze enamelechniques and the brilliant porcelains of Kyushu appeared almost overnight.hese porcelains were shipped through the port of Imari, and hence becamenown by that name. Wares from the Kakiemon kilns are well known for theirright yet subtle red enamel, the delicate balance between decorated andhite areas, and the painstaking care directed to every step from refininghe clay to the enamel firing.;This book provides a visual overview of theistory, techniques and distinguishing features of both Imari and Kakiemonares.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Anneliese and Dr. Wulf Crueger--guided by Saeko It�--have devoted themselves to studying, understanding, and collecting Japanese ceramics. Today, they share the rich fruits of their knowledge with this lavishly illustrated volume based on their own collection. The equivalent of Roberts Museum Guide, devotees of beautiful ceramics can pick it up and use it to select and visit potters as they undertake an artistic tour of the country. Organized geographically, it goes from kiln to kiln--which in Japan may refer to a lone site or an entire ceramics region that contains hundreds of workshops. Along the way, they outline the history, development, and unique stylistic characteristics of each area’s work, and the traditions that inspired it.

Popular Japanese porcelain of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Kakiemon, Nabeshima, Arita, Hirado, Fukagawa, Imari, Kutani, Satsuma, and individual craftsmen's works. The European-influenced styles of the 20th century, such as Nippon, Noritake, and Occupied Japan, are also presented. Over 500 color photos and well researched text provide the basic reference in this field.

Japanese Imari porcelain, with its vivid red, blue and gold palette, reached Europe in the late seventeenth century and created a sensation among collectors accustomd to the more austere palette of blue-and-white Chinese wares. Soon Imari chargers and full garnitures graced the palaces and great houses of Europe and formed significant portions of the massive collections of Asian porcelains formed by many kings and princes. When high prices and increased competition from China caused imports of Imari to slow in the mid-eignteenth century, Imari continues to exert a strong influence on both the design and palette used to create porcelains at the newly established porcelain factories both in England and on the Continent.--pg. 6.