What is kutani ware?

What is Kutani Ware?

■Premium Japanese Ceramics Kutani ware(九谷焼）

Kutaniyaki pottery is one of the most representative forms of colored porcelain in Japan, and its greatest appeal lies in the patterns it produces.
In 1975, Kutani ware was recognized as a traditional craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), and the following year it was designated an intangible cultural asset by Ishikawa Prefecture, and Tokuda Yashokichi III and Yoshida Minori were recognized as living national treasures by the Japanese government.

Kutani ware is known for its Kutani Gosai (five colors).The characteristic of Kutani ware is the five-color technique of "red, yellow, green, purple and navy blue", which is expressed in the beautiful color effects and graceful patterns of the painting.The technique of five-color painting has been handed down to the present day.The production of Kutaniyaki requires advanced techniques, especially the painting and glazing techniques, which are extremely delicate.The craftsmen carefully hone their skills to produce excellent pieces.

The style of Kutani ware varies greatly depending on the "kiln.The charm of Kutani ware lies in the fact that each kiln is a school of its own and there is a wide variety of pottery designs.

■Kutani Ware Markings

Most Kutani ware has long been marked on the back of the product.
In the Edo period, the mark was either the name of the kiln or an inscription such as the square 'Fuku' meaning auspicious. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), inscriptions differed from such markings...

■History of Kutani Ware（九谷焼）

Kutani ware was first produced in 1655 by Saijiro Goto in Kutani Village, Toe Ward, Kaga Province, by order of Toshiharu Maeda, the lord of Daishoji Temple. The production of Kutani porcelains began by adopting the techniques of Arita (Saga domain), famous for Imariyaki (Imari porcelain). This was the beginning of Kutani ware in the early Edo period. As for the origin of the name of this Kutani area, Kutani was the ninth village. There is a theory that it was named after it. There is another description in "Kashu Meisho Shiji" (Kashu Meisho Magazine) that says, "There are nine hundred and ninety-nine valleys in a wide mountain range and five ri in a deep valley, and they are called Kutani for short.

■The Production Process of Kutani Ware

we will introduce the process of creating Kutani ware. Craftsmen and artists pour their hearts and souls into crafting each piece. Please take a look at the inherited techniques of tradition.

■How to Care for Kutani Ware

We would like to introduce some important care tips to ensure the longevity of your Kutani ware. These simple maintenance steps will help you preserve your cherished pieces, preventing scratches and dirt. Please take a moment to read through and follow these instructions.