The Origins of Japanese Imari Porcelain

Imari porcelain is the European collectors' identify for Japanese porcelain wares made in the town of Arita, in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyishi, and exported from the port of Imari, Saga, specifically for the European export industry. In Japanese, these porcelains are known as Arita-yaki

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Imari Vase Table Lamp with Traditional Silk Shade

Imari Vase Table Lamp with Traditional Silk Shade

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A little about Japanese Imari Porcelain

Japanese export porcelain is generally dated from the mid-19th century as rigid self-imposed restrictions on trade in the 17th and 18th centuries limited Japan’s contact with the Western world to a few Dutch traders who brought porcelain out of the port of Imari. These 17th century pieces were prized by the European royals and inspired the establishment of porcelain manufacturing centers at Meissen, Sevres and Worcester. There was no great quantity of Japanese export porcelain produced until 1854 when the American Admiral Perry forced an open trade policy with Japan. Once established, the Japanese industry soon rivaled the Chinese for richness of design and color and gained popularity with both the Europeans and the Americans.

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Comparing Chinese Antique Porcelain with Japanese Antique Porcelain

Comparing Chinese Antique Porcelain with Japanese Porcelain

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Antique Ivory Japanese Netsuke

Antique Ivory Japanese Netsuke - Edo/Meiji Period Zouge
Beautiful antique ivory Japanese netsuke. This netsuke is made of antique elephant ivory (zouge in Japanese) with beautiful striation and ring patterns. Expertly carved and with an impressive luster and sheen, this high quality ivory does have some scratches and scuff marks as evidence of past use and the entire piece wears a darkened patina of age. In the Japanese mind these marks are thought to contribute to the appeal of a netsuke and give the object its sense of character and past utility. The Japanese use the word aji to specifically refer to this quality, which is thought to complete the netsuke as an art object intended for functional, daily use.

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The Story of Imari: The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain

Fired in the kilns of Arita, Japan, eight miles south of the seaport town after which it was named, Imari porcelain is distinguished by the beautiful visual effects produced by its blue underglaze and color overglaze enamels. In THE STORY OF IMARI, author Goro Shimura describes the cultural and historical significance of these prized porcelain bowls, plates, vases, teacups, and other wares. Examining the artistry and stories behind specific pieces, Shimura analyzes their glazes, patterns, motifs, and functions, weaving in tales of emperors, tea ceremonies, cranes, surfing rabbits, and more. This is Imari in all its colorful glory, from the grandest histories to the smallest details.

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Antiques and Art Show at the Armory Offers Great Variety

NEW YORK—In pursuit of creating an exceptional living space, why not welcome a piece of history to grace the ambiance in your home this fall?

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Origins of Cloisonne

Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects, in recent centuries using vitreous enamel, and in older periods also inlays of cut gemstones, glass, and other materials. The resulting objects can also be called cloisonné. The decoration is formed by first adding compartments (cloisons in French) to the metal object by soldering or glueing silver or gold wires or thin strips placed on their edges. These remain visible in the finished piece, separating the different compartments of the enamel or inlays, which are often of several colors. Cloisonné enamel objects are worked on with enamel powder made into a paste, which then needs to be fired in a kiln.

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How to Distinguish between Chinese and Japanese Cloisonne

By Sheila Bridge

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Asian Antiques are a Sound Investment

History has shown that whenever the financial economy has been really bad, whether caused by recession, or inflation, fine quality rare antiques have not only retained value but have remained in very high demand. The Asian antique market, as well as other good quality antiques and works of art, during financial slumps have tended to remain safe and even continued to increase in value.

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