Information

Presentation

Sections:
I. The origins and the
development of Imari
porcelain
II Porcelain for the
aristocracy and the
european courts
III Imari masterpieces for
the european market
IV European ceramics
imitate the Imari originals

List of works

Photo selection
of works
in exhibition

Photos of
exhibition room

Making
porcelain
in Arita

Jiki. Japanese porcelain between
East and West. 1610-1760
26 June - 7 November

This is a very important and precious exhibition of three parts: Japanese porcelain never seen in Europe; Japanese produced porcelain for the European market, and the following imitations in Europe.

Japanese porcelain production began in Arita after 1610, based upon knowledge and techniques imported from China and Korea. There were many differing production groups including the Nabeshima wares produced for the Shogun, characterised by the perfection of their production, distinctly Japanese shapes, the representation of natural or auspicious subjects and an asymmetry according to the principles of Zen philosophy.

Another style, known as Kakiemon, appealed to Dutch merchants and the European market and is characterised by a red colour, picture symmetry and subjects familiar in European culture.

The four sections of the exhibition:
- The origins and the development of Imari porcelain
- Porcelain for the japanese aristocracy and the european courts
- Imari masterpieces for the european market
- European ceramics imitate the Imari originals.

Click here for the booklet of the exhibition. Pdf file, 85 Kb.