Saga Prefecture
Arita's porcelains are mainly known in Europe as "Imari", from the small port from which these porcelains left for Europe, exported by the first Dutch merchants. These porcelains have been made since the beginning of the 17th century in the small town of Arita, in Saga prefecture, north of Kyushu. Since 1616 to be precise, a turning point in the history because this moment marked the end of the Chinese monopoly on the use of Kaolin for the production of fine porcelain.

Japan was exporting until 1757, until Edo era when the government started controling export of these products. They became less available abroad, and distribution was more focussed on Japanese territory. During the 19th century, exports restarted thanks to Arita porcelains which were presented at international fairs and exhibitions, again contributing to their global reputation. Many makers (Kamamoto) and artists produce Arita porcelain. Some of them are also recognized as "living human treasure" in Japan.
The products from workshops
Below, all Arita porcelains available on our online store.
The mirror of Kinkaku, gilded on its inner side this time, and silver on the outside. A lovely touch, in hands and on lips. To pair with Kinkaku for a beautiful gift. The history of this collection in the detailed description. Kinemon Toen Workshop - Takumi no Kura Collection Dim. H 6.5 cm - Diam 6 cm.
The "soli" shape for this Guinomi, straight, with a flared opening. Futuristic lines accentuated by the color and its unique texture, silver and rough. To pair with Kinsaï for a wonderfull gift. The history of this collection in the detailed description. Bunzan Seitou Workshop - Takumi no Kura Collection
The classic white Japanese porcelain for this guinomi. The soli shape is recommended for tasting delicate sakes like Ginjo and Daiginjo; neutral color will take you straight to the objective: your tasting ! The history of this collection in the detailed description. Bunzan Seitou Workshop - Takumi no Kura...
The classic white of Japanese porcelain for this guinomi. The maru form is recommended for tasty Sakes such as Junmai; the neutral color will take you straight to the point: your tasting experience. The history of this collection in the detailed description. Bunzan Seitou Workshop - Takumi no Kura Collection
The interpretation of classic "kikizake Choko", hence the name of "Kura". The blue lines represent the Janome, the snake eye used to measure the degree of filtration with a visual assessment of turbidity. The history of this collection in the detailed description. Bunzan Seitou workshop - Takumi no Kura Collection Dim....
With these hashioki (chopstick holders), Arita porcelain takes up the theme of traditional Japanese designs. Ume & Tsuru, Maromonami, Inaho, Fuji and Yuki, their meaning is given in the long description. Dimensions of each unit: diam. 2cm h. 7 mm Price indicated for the set KOMON 箸置 5ヶセット(有田焼)
Arita porcelain sake Service comprising 1 Katakuchi (sake carafe) and 2 Sakazuki (sake bowl). The shape reminds the one of bow in traditional Japanese archery (Yumi), hence the name "Gen". Presented in a pretty box. Kihara workshop Katakuchi h : 120 mm l : 68 mm Vol : 20 cl Sakazuki h : 70mm l :...
This sake service includes 1 Katakuchi (sake carafe) and 2 Sakazuki (sake cup). This composition is presented in a case. Arita porcelain sake service from Kihara workshop.
Carafe h : 130 mm - Diam : 70 mm Vol. 20 cl Cup h : 35mm - Diam : 70mm
This sake service includes 1 Katakuchi (sake carafe) and 2 Sakazuki (sake bowls). This composition is presented in a case. Arita porcelain sake service from Kihara workshop
This sake service includes 1 Katakuchi (sake carafe) and 2 Sakazuki (sake bowls). This composition is presented in a case.
Arita porcelain sake service from Kihara workshop
Decanter dimensions : h. 80 mm l. 65 mm - 18 cl Decanter dimensions : h. 40 mm l. 40 mm -...
Five small plates of Arita porcelain, the "mamezara", each bearing a different design, the traditional Japanese drawings (Ume & Tsuru, Maromonami, Inaho, Fuji and Yuki - see their significance in the long description).
Use for aperitif, to share a nice bottle of sake! Kihara...
Kihara workshop
Five small plates of Arita porcelain, the "mamezara", each bearing a different design, the traditional Japanese drawings (Ume & Tsuru, Maromonami, Inaho, Fuji and Yuki - see their significance in the long description).
Use for...