Buyers Guide to Satsuma Pottery

Japan started producing pottery and porcelain in the Neolithic period (11th millennium BC).
During the 4th century Japanese potters received the influence of China and Korea. Japanese artists appropriated the Chinese and Korean techniques to develop their own original production, “Japanese” in character.

6th millennium - 4th century BC
Two types of pottery coexisted: Jomon and Yayoi. Jomon ware presented complex patterns, whilst Yayoi ware always had simple patterns or sometimes no pattern.

 3rd AD 4th Century AD
The anagama kiln was introduced. Around 800-1200 AD simple glazes for temples in the Heian period originated from official kilns.

The “Six Old Kilns” were in existence until the 17th century. Among them was the Seto kiln that presented some advanced techniques.

From 11th century until 16th century, Japanese bought Chinese white porcelain, Chinese pottery, and finally Korean and Vietnamese ceramics.

17th century
In 1640 kilns were damaged in China following the wars between the Ming dynasty and the Manchus. The new Qing dynasty, installed in 1656, did not allow the export of Chinese pottery. However Chinese refugees brought sophisticated porcelain styles to the Arita kilns. From 1659 The Arita kilns products were traded with Europe and other parts of Asia in large volumes. This trade lasted for about a century.

In 1675 Ko-Imari was produced from a kiln exclusively destined to the production of sophisticated porcelain, sold to the richest Japanese people.

18th-20th century
White porcelain started to be produced and sold within Japan.
The production of Japanese ceramics flourished in 20th century. More than 20,000 pieces were produced by a potter named Kitaoji Rosanjin, at the kilns in Kita-Kamakura.