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There are many occasions when you might want to give tableware as a gift, such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Respect for the Aged Day, longevity celebrations, and weddings. These are important celebrations, so you want to give something well-made so as not to offend the recipient.
Japanese tableware that has been designated as a "traditional craft" by the government has a long history and has been loved in Japan, so you can give it with peace of mind. This time, we will introduce the characteristics of Arita ware, the earliest porcelain produced in Japan, and recommend some Arita ware gifts.
The history of Arita ware
Arita ware is the general term for porcelain fired in Arita town and its surrounding areas in Saga prefecture. It is also called "Imari ware" because it was shipped from the bay port of Imari city.
Arita ware is said to have originated in the early 17th century. At the time, Chinese white porcelain was in high demand in Japan, but the quality of domestically produced porcelain did not match it.
It is said that the Korean potter, Ri Sanpei, discovered a vein of high-quality white magnet (a stone necessary for making porcelain) in Izumiyama, eastern Arita, which gave birth to Japan's first white porcelain industry, and this is the origin of Arita ware.
Over the next 400 years, various tableware and art objects have been made using this pottery, and in modern times it is also used for accessories such as earrings and pendants.
Characteristics of Arita ware
Arita ware has had several styles over its long history, which can be broadly categorized into the "Early Imari style," "Kokutani style," "Kakiemon style," "Kinrande" and "Nabeshima ware."
Early Imari style
These were made between the 1610s and 1650s, and are characterized by their moist texture, as they are painted and glazed on unfired clay. Many of the pieces were influenced by "sometsuke," a style of blue and white porcelain that was introduced from China.
Old Kutani style
In the 1640s, Chinese potters innovated and began producing porcelain that was painted after being fired in a kiln. Bold paintings in deep colors such as blue, green, and yellow are characteristic of this style.
It was thought to have been produced in Kaga Province (Kutani) in Ishikawa Prefecture, but recent research has revealed that most of it was fired in Arita.
However, since there is no Old Kutani style porcelain exported from Arita, and it is possible that porcelain was also produced in Kutani during the same period, the official place of origin remains a mystery.
Kakiemon style
In the 1670s, a technique called nigorite was developed, in which red, green, and yellow paints were applied to a milky white surface. This technique is characterized by the fact that the entire surface of the porcelain is not painted, but rather white space is left behind, creating a painting-like composition.
Kakiemon-style porcelain was highly praised overseas, and imitations were produced in Jingdezhen, China, the birthplace of porcelain, and in Europe.
Kinrande
During the Genroku period of the Edo period (around the end of the 17th century), porcelain ware was produced that used lavish gold and red paints, and it seems that it got its name from its resemblance to the woven fabric "kinran."
His gorgeous and extravagant style has been popular overseas, and his large vases and plates are still on display in museums around the world.
Nabeshima ware
From the 17th to 19th centuries, these wares were presented to feudal lords, feudal lords, and other high-ranking individuals. They were fired in kilns directly managed by the Nabeshima domain and were the finest products, produced without regard for profitability.
Although the technique was lost once with the abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures, it was later revived as a modern craft and has been passed down to the present day.
5 Recommended Arita Ware Tableware Gifts
From here on, we will introduce Arita ware tableware that we recommend as gifts. All of them are practical, so you can enjoy them for a long time, not just the moment you give them. Arita ware gifts that are good to look at and good to use are perfect for important celebrations.
Bowl
Since it is something you use every day, it is recommended to choose a design that you will feel especially attached to. How about a rice bowl with an auspicious motif that will bring a smile to your face every time you eat?
Personalized rice bowl with leaf and owl design
The owl on the bottom is hand-painted by artisans one by one. The gift box is a sturdy "inserted" style, which is also used for wedding favors, so it is safe for formal celebrations. Every time you finish eating, you will feel warm and fuzzy as your eyes meet the owl on the bottom.
This would be a great gift for elderly people who are starting to lose their appetite, for people who love owl goods, or as a wedding present for couples who will be sharing the same table for many years to come.
Personalized Arita ware rice bowl with a laughing owl design
The large, smiling owl is eye-catching. This tea bowl has a unique expression that can only be achieved by hand-painting. It is made using a technique called kannyu, which intentionally creates fine cracks to create a texture, giving it a warm appearance and feel.
Hot water
For those who drink tea every day, choose a teacup that is a size that is easy to use on a daily basis.
Personalized lucky belt teacup
This teacup can be engraved with not only your name, but also auspicious motifs and dates. Choose from five auspicious motifs: gourd, crane and battledore, cherry blossom, plum, and magic mallet.
[Gourd] Good health and family harmony
[Crane and Hagoita] Longevity and good health
[Cherry Blossoms] Abundance and prosperity
[Plum] Longevity and nobility
[Magic Mallet] Abundance and good fortune
Each motif has a meaning that makes it the perfect gift for wishing happiness. Choose one that suits the message you want to convey, such as a prayer for good health or longevity.
tumbler
For those who love alcohol, a tumbler that keeps drinks at the perfect temperature for a long time will be a welcome gift. The luxurious Japanese feel makes it the perfect gift.
Personalized Arita ware gold and silver beer tumbler
This pestle-shaped tumbler has a beautiful, dignified shine. Its simple and elegant name engraving doesn't distract from the beauty of the Arita ware, and its surface feels pleasant to the touch. The interior has a rough-grained finish, allowing you to enjoy a creamier beer head. The paulownia wood box can be engraved with a message of your choice from 14 options, including "Thank you" and "Congratulations," as well as the date.
Personalized Gold and Silver Brush-Wrapped Beer Cups (Pair)
This pair of gold and silver beer cups is a set. The brushed surface creates a modern Japanese atmosphere. It holds approximately 400ml, giving you plenty of room to drink. The textured interior is the secret to creating delicate beer foam.
This is the perfect pair gift for couples celebrating important milestones, such as silver or golden wedding anniversaries, or longevity celebrations such as 88th or 99th birthdays.
At the end
We have introduced gifts that bring lasting happiness to the recipient, just like Arita ware, which has been passed down through a long history. These are practical tableware gifts that can be used every day, so they are perfect not only for formal celebrations, but also for birthdays of friends and family.
"PR"
