KIHARA - SAGA PRÉFECTURE
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.
These five small plates in Arita porcelain, known as "mamezara", each bear a different kichijo design. Knotted cherry blossom, pine, bamboo and plum, wave and plover, longevity and gourd. Their meaning is given in the long description. Use as an aperitif, or to share a dish over a fine bottle of sake ! Hasami porcelain. Diam. 108 mm
These five small porcelain plates from Arita, the “mamezara”, each feature a different design, with very Rock'n'Roll motifs ! Use them for aperitifs, or to share a meal with a bottle of sake ! Diam. 108 mm
One of the best pieces of this collection, a golden guinomi on its outer face and silver on the inside. A fine and velvety texture, warm touch and nice on the lips. The history of this collection in the detailed description. Kinemon Toen Workshop - Takumi no Kura Collection
Again the "soli" shape for the gold equivalent of Ginsai, straight and flared opening. Futuristic lines accentuated by unique color and texture, gold and rough. A nice pairing with Ginsaï for a gift idea. The history of this collection in the detailed description. Bunzan Seitou Workshop - Takumi no Kura Collection
A blue swirl highlighted by a silver line which gives a very modern character. A slightly textured surface by the drawing of lines. The history of this collection in the detailed description. Totsukou Gama Workshop - Takumi no Kura Collection
A nice blue sakazuki to serve sake in a traditional way. Delivered in its box. The details of Arita porcelain in the detailed description. (an image to give you an idea of the size of this sake bowl). Whiteporcelain sakazuki from Arita
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 <span...
Pair of grey sakazuki, delicately decorated one gold and the other silver. To serve sake in a traditional way. Delivered in a box. Arita porcelain grey Sakazuki pair
Elegant Egyptian blue accented by a clear silver line. A shape called "soli" design for tasting the best refined sakes. A wonderful timeless piece, a guinomi to accord with classic or modern interiors. Ideal for Nigorizake (unfiltered Sake). The history of this collection in the detailed description. Koemon Workshop -...
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
An almost Baroque-inspired style with beautiful shades of poppy red. A traditional look at first glance, but a frank contrast with the white interior gives a modern and pop touches. The history of this collection in the detailed description. Koemon Workshop - Takumi no Kura Collection
