Kutani Ginsai style

Kutani Ginsai Style

A technique in which silver foil is applied to a transparent or five-color glaze and then fired. The silver leaf does not peel or rust. The soft tone of the painting and the subdued texture create a sense of elegance. Each piece is hand-painted by an artisan, so no two are alike.

Charm of Ginsai

Ginsai has a luxurious atmosphere and sense of luxury even among Kutaniyaki porcelain. Because each painting is carefully done by hand by craftsmen, no two pieces are alike. For this reason, it is often used for special occasions such as tea ceremony utensils and gifts, and it is also durable and retains its beauty for a long time. In addition, Kutani Yaki ceramics themselves are resistant to water leakage, making them useful as practical items such as flower vases and teapots.

Manufacturing Process

Preparation of the clay: The potter's clay is mixed in the proper proportions to make a homogeneous clay. This is the basis of the pottery.
Molding: The clay is molded into the proper shape. This can be done by hand, on a potter's wheel, or using a mold.
Drying: Drying of the formed pottery. The pottery is now solid and ready for the next step.
Shiki: The dried pottery is placed in a kiln and fired at a low temperature. This process hardens the clay and forms the pottery.
Painting: Silver designs are painted on the fired pottery. Silver powder or paint is mixed with water or a solvent, and fine brushes or brush pens are used to create elaborate patterns.
Nidoyaki: After being painted with silver paint, the pottery is fired again at a higher temperature. This process fixes the silver to the surface of the pottery, giving it a beautiful shine and luster.
Finishing: Finally, the surface of the pottery is polished and decorated. Additional decoration, such as gilding or coloring, may also be applied.