Kutani ware, one of Japan’s porcelain styles, was established by the lords of Kanazawa, a renowned samurai town, with the aim of creating a local industry in the middle of the 17th century.
They drew inspiration from Imari or Arita ware, which had gained popularity, especially in Europe in the 18th century.
Kutani ware incorporated the luxurious artistic tastes of the Kanazawa lords into its product development policy.
They created their own distinctive style with vivid colors, intricate designs, and bold patterns not found in other porcelain.
Kutani ware has a mysterious history: after its establishment in the 17th century, the local lords under the Kanazawa lords suddenly ordered the kilns to be closed within a few decades.The reason for this is unknown.
After a gap of over a hundred years, the lords ordered the kilns to be restarted, considering the necessity of improving the financial situation of the domain.
It is said that at the time, they were purchasing large quantities of porcelain from other production areas and needed to stop the outflow of funds.
In the 19th century, as if reclaiming time for growth, the Kutani brand gained popularity abroad for its pictorial charm, created by a myriad of new styles and techniques.
The most distinctive characteristic of Kutani ware is the variety of patterns on vessels, technically referred to as ‘overglaze painting’.
This diversity is said to be influenced by a trial-and-error process to restore the designs of the first established period, known as “Old Kutani”.
Moreover, they infused them with novelty, creating what is known as “Revived Kutani”, that grew beyond the traditional legendary “Old Kutani”.
Kutani ware’s patterns (overglaze painting) are characterized by coloring based on five vivid, nearly primary colors (red, yellow, green, purple, and dark blue), which established the brand’s impressionist-like image on vessels in the 19th century.
Kutani ware usually undergoes multiple processes, including molding, painting, glazing, and firing, but today, to accommodate mass production, the division of labor has been largely established between base making and painting.
Kutani ware has been distributed as daily necessities due to its roots in fostering the local industry, but it is strongly associated with ornamental art, making it challenging for some to find them easily for purchase.
Kutani ware has evolved into various products such as figurines, interior decorations, and accessories due to its name recognition and gorgeous design imagery.
Due to it’s diversity, some experts argue that it is challenging to classify Kutani-yaki as tableware today.
Kutani ware can be enjoyed for its stunning designs, ranging from super high-priced antique pots to chopstick rests for a few hundred yen as souvenirs, depending on your budget.
However, some people may find it too ornate, so you may want to be careful when giving it as a gift.
Kutaniyaki porcelain was born deep in the mountains of Kutani during the Samurai period and is popular both in Japan and abroad for its vivid, flamboyant designs.(India:male)
While most Japanese ceramics are simple and monochromatic, Kutaniyaki has many bold and colorful designs that resemble paintings.(India:female)
Clay made from locally produced and crushed pottery stones is molded, painted with bright colors, and fired in a kiln to give it strength and luster.(UK:female)
Kutani ware was created in the 1600s as a brand of pottery for the lord’s family of Kanazawa to rebuild their finances and was mainly exported to Europe for use by the wealthy.(UK:female)
Ceramics are classified into pottery and porcelain, such as Kutaniyaki. Porcelain, which contains glass, is harder and thinner than pottery and is chosen based on taste and purpose.(UK:male)
Kutaniyaki is mainly sold in specialty stores and galleries, not in general mass merchandisers, but it is now commonly available in online stores.(USA:female)
Prices vary by size and design, but on average, except for more artistically oriented and expensive items, they sell for anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars.(USA:male)
Although porcelain is heat-resistant, its design and color can be easily damaged. It’s best to avoid using microwave ovens and dishwashers unless clearly marked as safe.(USA:female)
Although some people use Kutaniyaki for everyday purposes, it is often reserved for special occasions and guests, as it is considered high-class tableware.(Australia:female)
Kutani-yaki is often said to be expensive because it is handmade by artisans, with each piece being unique and featuring detailed, colorful designs.(Australia:female)
1.4 インバウンドと対話:笑いも取れる?
Q1:九谷焼のオススメはなんですか?
“What do you recommend when it comes to Kutani ware?”
As with anything, when it comes to Kutani ware, the choices are vast, so it’s important to consider your own objectives and budget.
Kutani ware is a well-known brand, making it a popular choice for gift-giving, but it’s also often selected for personal collections or as a reward for oneself.
Budgets range from high-end, furniture-level expensive items to affordable accessories and chopstick rests that students can purchase with their allowance.
The greatest feature of Kutani-yaki is its unique colors and designs, making it suitable not only for tableware but also for a wide variety of interior purposes.
Many people, in particular, display them in entryways and parlors for decoration, even though they were originally intended for dining.
Some experts believe that the essence of Kutani-yaki lies in its ever-evolving diversity, suggesting it can no longer be confined to just tableware and decorative objects.
This diversity can be considered the greatest appeal of Kutani-yaki, but when it breaks free from its traditional image, it may feel paradoxical, as if it’s no longer truly Kutani-yaki.
That reminds me, a friend of mine once said that Kutani-yaki is kind of like takoyaki in a way.
According to him, takoyaki is becoming popular overseas, with menus now featuring a variety of ingredients.
Especially recently, with the growing number of vegans, people are replacing the octopus in takoyaki with vegetables and fermented foods.
They still call it takoyaki, even without the octopus, just like they call it Kutani-yaki even when it’s completely different from the traditional style.
The strength of the basic concept remains the same in both cases, allowing them to withstand any changes.
However, it might be considered inappropriate to compare an artistic vessel like Kutani-yaki to a casual food item like takoyaki.
Such a comparison seems unsophisticated and lacking in taste to my sensitive and artistic sense.
First of all, takoyaki is soft, while Kutani-yaki is porcelain and therefore hard. Don’t you think that’s a significant difference?
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