Porcelain by Fukagawa Seiji(深川製磁 株式会社)

Japanese Beauty, Painted with Delicate Artistry, Opens a New Era of Ceramics

Arita, located in Saga Prefecture, is the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. Porcelain was first fired there in 1616. During the Korean campaigns of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the lord of the Nabeshima clan brought master potters from Korea to Japan. These potters discovered porcelain stone in Izumiyama near Arita—the high-quality raw material for porcelain—and began its production.

The so-called “Imari” porcelain, which was highly valued by European royal and aristocratic families during the Edo period, was produced here and exported through the port of Imari.

The Fukagawa family had operated kilns in Arita for generations since around 1650. In 1894 (Meiji 27), Chuji Fukagawa founded the porcelain manufacturer Fukagawa Seiji. Even before establishing the company, young Chuji had traveled to Europe several times and had seen firsthand how European manufacturers—particularly the Meissen porcelain factory in Germany—rose to prominence. Inspired by this, he set out with the ambition to “create the best porcelain in the world.”

He combined Arita’s traditional techniques with advanced European technologies and pursued a unique design aesthetic that embodied the spirit of Japan.

Chuji exhibited a large vase, made using exceptionally high decorative techniques, at the 1900 Paris Exposition and received the Gold Medal for it. Fukagawa Seiji was subsequently awarded at various world expositions and gained international recognition.

As a result, the company established international offices via the Watt Trading House in Birmingham, England, with branches in London, Paris, Hamburg, Milan, and Brussels, spreading the appeal of Japanese ceramic art across the globe.

The Noble “Fukagawa Blue” – Admired by Guests Worldwide

What made the name Fukagawa known across the world was the pure beauty of the cobalt blue decoration (sometsuke). Chuji placed great emphasis on producing transparent white porcelain, fired at a high temperature of 1350°C, and the elegant blue decoration painted on it. This blue became known as “Fukagawa Blue.” The so-called Dami technique, which creates subtle gradations of color using a single brush, results in a mystical, almost ethereal blue tone.

The innovative designs, which stood out clearly from previous Arita styles like Ko-Imari, Kakiemon, and Iro-Nabeshima, came to be known as the “Fukagawa style.”

Through continuous advancements in kiln technology, improvements in glazes, and other technical innovations, Fukagawa Seiji eventually achieved the hallmark quality for which it is still known today: transparent, pure white porcelain adorned with brilliant, luminous blue.

Fukagawa Seiji was commissioned by Emperor Meiji to produce tableware for official state banquets. In 1910 (Meiji 43), the company was granted the title of Imperial Household Purveyor (Kunai-shō Goyōtashi). Even after the abolition of this system shortly after World War II, Fukagawa Seiji continues to supply the Imperial Household to this day.

Fukagawa porcelain was also used on passenger ships of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line), where celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein were guests. Its use in diplomatic receptions further underscores its status as one of Japan’s leading porcelain brands.

This pride is reflected in the brand’s trademark: “Mt. Fuji with flowing water,” which Chuji chose at the company’s founding, expressing his vision for global success.

Arita – The Historic “Cradle of Porcelain” in Japan

Location & Geography

Arita is located in the western part of Saga Prefecture (Kyūshū), near the border with Nagasaki Prefecture. Covering an area of approximately 65 km², around 70% of its land consists of forested hills and mountains. The Arita River flows through the town and empties into the sea at Imari.

History & Origins of Porcelain

Early Ceramic Tradition: As early as the late 16th century, the Hizen region saw the emergence of its first pottery kilns, producing earthenware later known as “Karatsu-yaki.”

1616 – A Turning Point: The Korean potter Kanagae Sambe (also known as Yi Sam-pyeong) discovered kaolin clay in Izumiyama, the essential raw material for porcelain. This marked the beginning of Japan’s porcelain production—starting in Arita, later exported through the port of Imari.

Edo Period & Export: In the 17th century, porcelain exports flourished—mainly to Europe via the Dutch East India Company. The typical “Imari” style combined cobalt blue, iron red, and gold with floral and animal motifs.

Key Styles:

• Kakiemon (since 1640): Delicate polychrome decoration on pure white porcelain with asymmetrical designs.

• Nabeshima Style from Oka-kawachi: Exquisite porcelain reserved strictly for the ruling class.

Culture & Administration: To protect the secrecy of porcelain techniques, the local domain established a special administrative office (Daikansho). During the Meiji era and beyond, regions such as Higashi- and Nishi-Arita were merged to form modern-day Arita-machi.

UNESCO Heritage

The original porcelain kilns and worker residences in Arita–Ōkawachiyama have been designated as significant traditional cultural assets.

The Tōzan Shrine, founded in 1658 to honor the porcelain pioneer Yi Sam-pyeong, is a unique site with a torii gate and guardian lion-dog statues made of porcelain. It was declared a cultural property in 2000. The annual Tosōsai Festival is held there every May 4th.

Traditional Crafts

These techniques still shape Arita’s cultural landscape and its diverse range of exportable porcelain goods.

Economy & Education

The porcelain industry remains Arita’s core economic sector—despite declining numbers (around 100 kilns as of 2012).

Craft Education: The Arita Technical High School and the Arita College of Ceramics play a vital role in training the next generation of artisans.

International Relations: Arita has sister-city relationships with Meissen (since 1979) and Jingdezhen (since 1996), both world-renowned for porcelain.

Museums & Events

• Kyushu Ceramic Museum: Exhibits historical Imari porcelain, including the Kanbara and Shibata collections.

• Arita History & Folklore Museum: Preserves 400 years of ceramic history with kiln remnants, tools, and puppet theater.

• Arita Porcelain Park: A miniature replica of the Zwinger Palace with galleries, a shop, and a restaurant showcasing diverse porcelain styles.

• Arita Ceramic Fair: West Japan’s largest ceramic market during Golden Week—with over 700 stalls and around 1 million visitors.

Other Traditional Festivals:

• Hina Matsuri (porcelain hina dolls), February–March

• Sarayama Matsuri in October, featuring portable shrines and a plate-spinning dance

Conclusion

Arita is far more than a production site—it is Japan’s historic “cradle of porcelain.” Here, tradition meets modernity: centuries-old techniques such as Arita, Kakiemon, and Nabeshima porcelain are preserved in active workshops and elevated on an international stage. The town combines living craftsmanship, education, and cultural exchange, firmly positioning Arita as a globally unique center of porcelain excellence.