Japanese Ceramics production in Arita

Arita is a small village/town in the southern part of Japan. We were looking for simple and contemporary designed Japanese ceramics whereby people could appreciate the craftsmanship but use everyday. Something unique but attainable.

Heading out from the busy and bright Tokyo we headed past the inspiring Mount Fuji on the JR bullet train en route to Fukuoka which is the biggest city in the province and some 6 hrs high speed train ride.

From Fukuoka (The largest city in the province) it is a relatively short train journey to Arita and the contrast to the big cities is immediate and refreshing.

Arita's ceramic history dates back to 1616 when a seam of Kaolin (clay) was found on the outskirts of the town.

This quarry provided the raw material for ceramic production in the region and spawned Aritayaki style of white porcelain. The nearby port of Imari provided an excellent export point and Aritaware or Imariware (as it was also known) was exported to Europe.

The seam was extensively quarried and is now a historic site. Kaolin is now brought in from Amakusa a short distance away.

Over the years many styles of Japanese ceramics have evolved but it is generally recognised that Arita is the birthplace of ceramic production in Japan