zoom_in Click to enlarge

Kutani Ware

▲ ▼

description Kutani Ware Overview

Kutani ware is a tradition of Japanese overglaze-decorated porcelain associated with the former Kaga Province and present-day Ishikawa Prefecture. Early Ko-Kutani works are linked to the seventeenth century, while production was revived through several kilns during the nineteenth century. Kutani decoration often uses saturated red, green, yellow, blue, and purple enamels in landscapes, figures, birds, flowers, or dense ornamental patterns, with styles varying considerably by period and workshop.

help Kutani Ware FAQ

What are the traditional colors used on Kutani ware?

Kutani porcelain is known for strong overglaze decoration, often using green, yellow, purple, blue, and red. The palette and densely painted surfaces distinguish it from the quieter decoration of many Japanese stoneware traditions.

What is Ko-Kutani porcelain?

Ko-Kutani means old Kutani and refers to richly decorated porcelain associated with the seventeenth century. Its exact production history has been debated, including the relationship between Kutani designs and porcelain made around Arita.

Why did Kutani ware have to be revived?

The early phase of Kutani production ended after only a few decades. During the nineteenth century, kilns in the former Kaga Province revived the tradition through styles including Mokubei, Yoshidaya, and Iidaya.

How is Kutani ware different from Imari ware?

Kutani is especially associated with bold overglaze painting and the ceramics of present-day Ishikawa Prefecture. Imari usually refers to porcelain exported through the port of Imari and produced principally around Arita in Saga Prefecture.

swap_horiz

Looking for Kutani Ware alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward