Japanese Pottery
Japanese pottery can be divided in to 4 main categories -
earthenware, porcelain, glazed and un-glazed stoneware. These 4 kinds of
pottery have been made in Japan since prehistoric times, but it is more
recently that it has become so widespread. Most pottery that has been made
in Japan is used for practical purposes, such as bowls, vases or plates.
Although this fact is true, the decoration of the pottery pieces has always
been of the highest quality. As with many other Japanese customs and
rituals, the art of making pottery and porcelain has been refined and
mastered over hundreds of years.
Satsuma Pottery
One of the most popular kinds is called Satsuma and was made around 400
years ago from a brown clay found in the Satsuma region. Some say that it is
a cross between pottery and porcelain, due to the fact that it is fired at a
very low temperature. The tell-tale markings of a piece of Satsuma is the
creamy color and the crackled glaze.
Arita Pottery
Around the same time that Satsuma pottery was created, the blue and white
porcelain called Arita was also being made. These pieces are white in color
with an ink like blue under glaze. They are also often decorated with
figures of Japanese gods or important people. This became a very popular
style in Japan, so much so that it could not be produced quickly enough to
satisfy demand. Skilled workers in China were used to create Arita and ship
it over for sale.
Imari Pottery
The word Imari, which is actually the name of a port near the town of Arita,
is often given as a term to describe all pottery coming from Japan from 1600
onwards. The name was given due to the fact that the port was used to export
pottery all over the world and therefore the term Imari pottery was born.
The real names for the different types or styles of Imari pottery relate to
either the places they were made in, the potter who made them or the family
name.
About the Author
Read more about Satsuma Pottery at the authors website
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