Product Description
This is a set of six medium plates in the Ko-Kutani ware, the beginning of Kutani-yaki.
What is Ko-Kutani?
The history of Kutaniyaki pottery begins with **Ko-Kutani ware**, which was produced in the mid-17th century. Ko-Kutani was known throughout Japan for its vibrant colors, bold designs, and unique five colors (green, yellow, purple, red, and dark blue). However, due to financial problems, the production of kutani yaki was suspended for about 100 years.
In the 19th century, under the leadership of Lord Maeda Toshiharu, the revival of Kutaniyaki was promoted. The Kasugayama Kiln played a particularly important role. This kiln was established to revive Kutaniyaki production, and many techniques were passed down and improved. Kutaniyaki during this period is called Saiko-Kutani**, and new techniques and designs were introduced, once again captivating the public with their beauty.
One of the distinctive techniques of the revival of Kutani is **overglaze enameling**. This technique not only added color to the pieces, but also allowed for delicate designs using gold and red enameling. In particular, the flamboyant designs using red and gold became a symbol of Kutaniyaki during this period and were highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad.
In the process of this revival, many Kutaniyaki artisans honed their skills and produced excellent works. Their techniques were eventually recognized as an **intangible cultural property** by the Japanese government, establishing Kutaniyaki as a traditional Japanese craft.
Thus, Kutaniyaki has evolved with the times while preserving the tradition of **Ko-Kutani** and continues to be loved around the world today. The revived Kutani ware has a unique presence among Japanese ceramics, and its artistic value is still highly valued today.
