Kutani porcelain, a distinguished style of Japanese porcelain, is celebrated for its vibrant and elaborate overglaze decoration. Originating over 350 years ago in Kutani, Ishikawa Prefecture, this fine pottery is characterized by its bold use of color and intricate designs, which have evolved through various periods, maintaining its allure to collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The appeal of Kutani ware lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in the rich history and meticulous craftsmanship that define it.
The Allure and History of Kutani Porcelain
Kutani porcelain’s story began in 1655 when Toshiharu Maeda, the first local lord of Daishoji clan, discovered pottery stone in the Kutani area and tasked Saijiro Goto with learning pottery techniques. This led to the establishment of a kiln in Kutani, marking the birth of what would later be known as “Ko-Kutani” or Old Kutani. These early pieces are distinguished by their bold and powerful designs, reflecting the aesthetics of the early Tokugawa Shogunate, and feature masculine colors and heavy compositions. The designs often incorporate flowers, plants, and landscapes, painted with overglaze enamels in blue, yellow, and purple. However, this initial period of production was short-lived, as the kiln abruptly closed around 1700 for reasons still unknown.
This video explores the history of Chinese ceramics, providing a fascinating comparison to the development of porcelain techniques in other East Asian countries like Japan. It offers valuable context to the evolution of Kutani ware.
After a hiatus of nearly a century, the desire to revive Kutani ware sparked a renewed interest in the craft. In 1807, Aoki Mokubei from Kyoto began producing Kasugayama Kiln, introducing the Mokubei-fu style, influenced by Chinese ink painting techniques. Following this, in 1824, Denemon Toyoda, a wealthy merchant, founded the Yoshidaya Kiln, aiming to restore the original Kutani ware style. Supported by the shogunate, the Yoshidaya Kiln initially sought to recreate the Ko-Kutani style but eventually developed its own signature, known as Yoshidaya-fu, characterized by soft painting styles and the use of blue, yellow, and purple to depict flowers, birds, and landscapes. Other kilns, such as Miyamotoya and Eiraku, emerged during this period, each contributing to the evolving aesthetics of Kutani ware. Notably, Wazen Eiraku from Kyoto introduced the Eiraku-fu style, featuring a gorgeous technique where vessels are painted with red color over gold, with intricate patterns drawn on top. The Meiji era marked a turning point for Kutani ware as it was exhibited at the Vienna World Exposition in 1873, gaining international recognition and driving significant demand from the West. This period saw the rise of individual Kutani artists and the development of distinct styles to cater to Western tastes. You might also be interested in reading about Japanese tea ceremony wares, which share a rich cultural heritage. Furthermore, exploring the history of Chinese porcelain can offer additional context to the development of porcelain techniques in East Asia.
Distinctive Styles and Techniques
Kutani porcelain is immediately recognizable due to its unique color palette and diverse painting styles. The foundation of Kutani ware lies in the “Kutani gosai,” the five Kutani colors: red, green, yellow, purple, and dark blue. These colors are used in various combinations and techniques to create a wide range of visual effects, from bold and vibrant designs to delicate and elegant patterns. One notable style is the Kokutani Style, characterized by its bold compositions and powerful colors, reflecting the aesthetics of the early Tokugawa Shogunate. In contrast, the Yoshidaya Style features softer painting and utilizes the three colors of blue, yellow, and purple to depict flowers, birds, and landscapes. The Iidaya Style, also known as Akae, emphasizes the use of fine red lines and often incorporates gilded details for an elegant touch. The Eiraku Style is renowned for its luxurious use of red and gold, creating striking patterns and a sense of opulence. The Shoza Style, which emerged during the Meiji era, blends Japanese and Western styles, often featuring delicate and gorgeous designs with colored gold brocade.
In addition to these traditional styles, Kutani ware has continued to evolve with new techniques and expressions. The Aochibu Style, popularized in the Taisho era, features fine green dots laid out on top of the ground color, creating a sense of calmness and dignity. The Morietsuke Style introduces three-dimensional patterns created with specialized paints, often seen on figurines. The Saiyuu Style involves painting the entire vessel with a five-color glaze, allowing for a gradual change of colors and graceful patterns. The Yuurikinsai Style applies gold powder or gold leaf under a transparent glaze, resulting in a soft and elegant shine. Lastly, the Ginsai Style uses silver leaf, covered with a transparent or five-color glaze, to achieve a soft and elegant expression.
The Intricate Process of Creation
The creation of Kutani porcelain involves a meticulous and multi-stage process that requires skilled artisans and precise techniques. The process begins with the selection of high-quality pottery stone, typically sourced from the Hanasaka area of Ishikawa Prefecture. This stone is crushed into a fine powder, and impurities are removed to create a purified clay. The clay is then shaped using various methods, including wheel throwing, hand-forming, fill-molding, cast-molding, and mold-forming. After shaping, the pottery is dried and fired for approximately 8 hours at around 800°C, transforming the grayish clay into a skin-tone base color.
The next step involves underglaze painting, where the artist applies a design using Gosu, a pigment made primarily of cobalt oxide. This technique, known as “sometsuke,” results in a bright indigo color after firing. A uniform glaze coating is then applied to the surface, which turns transparent and glassy after the second firing. This second firing takes place at a high temperature of around 1300°C for approximately 15 hours, typically in gas kilns. Following the second firing, the piece is ready for overglaze painting, where the artist applies the Kutani Five Colors and other unique decorations. Each artist employs their own painting techniques, adding their personal touch to the piece. The overglaze-painted items are then fired again at around 800°C for 4 to 10 hours to complete the finishing process. In some cases, additional firings may be required for pieces with gold or silver decorations.
Notable Artists and Contemporary Relevance
Throughout its history, Kutani porcelain has been shaped by numerous talented artists and workshops, each leaving their mark on the craft. In the early days, Kutani Shoza was well-known for his red detailed drawings and gold ornaments, becoming a pivotal figure in the movement. Takeuchi Ginshu and Asai Ichimo were leaders in over-glaze enamel techniques, with Ginshu developing a brilliant color painting technique using red and gold paint. Suda Seika I excelled at making imitations of Ko-Kutani, while father and son Tojiro Kitade and Fujio established their own style by incorporating Middle Eastern designs. More recently, artists like Tokuda Yasokichi III and Minori Yoshida have been recognized as “National Living Treasures” for their contributions to modernizing Kutani ware styles. Tokuda Yasokichi III is renowned for his “saiyu” technique, using about 70 different colors to create ceramics with gradations, and Minori Yoshida for his “Yuri Kinsai” technique, using thin and thick gold leaves to create perspective.
Today, Kutani porcelain continues to be produced in various forms, including tableware, tea sets, and decorative objects. Its unique aesthetic and rich history make it a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts around the world. The legacy of Kutani ware is preserved through the efforts of contemporary artists and workshops who continue to innovate while honoring the traditions of this exquisite Japanese art form. Whether displayed in a museum, used in a traditional tea ceremony, or admired in a private collection, Kutani porcelain remains a testament to the enduring beauty and craftsmanship of Japanese ceramics.
