Japanese Kutani white milky translucent eggshell porcelain antique tea pot , milk pot and cup painted with fine natural scene in grey and yellowish colors.Kutani is the famous manufacturer of ceramics in Japan with distinction of representing Japanese culture in their society
Artist marking can be seen on the objects.
Historical background of Kutani Porcelain
Kutani is the famous name in porcelain world manufacturing multicolored pottery and others in Japan. In 1655 Lord Maeda Toshiharu ordered production of porcelain and in compliance of his orders the process of manufacturing was started in a small village called Kutani where the stone mine existed. However the craftmen could not succeed in creating a quality product and as such the manufacturing process was a bonded.
The craftman Goto was sent to Arita to acquire better technique of production and on his return a product in the name of Ko- Kutani was launched which remained in production for almost 50 years using the technology overglazed enamels.This production was suddenly stopped in 1700 either due to the inavailability of pigment used in the manufacturing process or due to finanacial constraints. Thie reason is still undiscovered.
Later on the production was started again but unlike Ko- Kutani which are extremely rare and most precious pieces .With the passage of time and advancement in technology small porcelain manufacturing units came emerged in the region.. European users showed their extreme interest in Shoza products of Kutani which were highly in demand having captured European market . The world fairs held in Vienna and Paris from 1873 onward the market for the products was at peak .During the world wars the production was extremely declined , however during the 20th century Kutani again emerged along with Imari and Arita porcelain of Japan as leading manufactureres and dominated the market again.
Today hundred of companies are engaged in manufacturing Kutani porcelain with thousands of employees producing different styles with variation and shapes as well as also creating traditional designs. Tera in Japan i is the main central place where most of the porcelain is manufactured called as Kutani-Yaki.Besides usual utensils other objects of interest like insense burners, vases, decoration plates and others are also manufactured .
The new Kutani porcelain products ranges from thick and coarse body to transparent eggshell milky white fine porcelain.These are grey, bluish greenish yellowish to white milky with the processing technique used by Arita.Many of the varieties are painted by hand even now showing its art and sophistication.
