Imari is a renowned style of Japanese porcelain, originating from the large city of Arita since the early 17th century. Imari was the name of the port nearest to Arita, and about three-fifths of Imari porcelain was produced in the city, being exported from the port to other parts of Japan and around the world.
Used almost always in the tea ceremonies which formed an essential part of Japanese life, Imari porcelain rapidly grew in popularity as kilns emerged all over the Hizen Province, in which Arita was situated. When rival China’s porcelain trade weakened due to civil unrest, the Dutch East India Company took to exporting Imari instead, with vases, bowls and plates making their way into the kingships of Europe. Imari was also transported in vast quantities to Osaka and Edo (present-day Tokyo).
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Imari porcelain was traditionally white with blue decorations of nature and mythology, but as more kilns started to produce it, colours such as yellow, green and purple, as well as gold inlay, were added to the porcelain. Nowadays Imari is the term used to describe all traditional Japanese porcelain, with Meiji-era and Daishogi Imari considered the most authentic. The porcelain is considered not simply aesthetically appealing, but also imbued with the spirituality and peace of Japanese master craftsmanship.
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