Commemorating the 400-year anniversary of Arita porcelain’s foundation, the ARITA 400project celebrates the traditions and techniques that have been refined over its long history in the town of its origin, Arita, in Saga Prefecture, Japan.
The project, sponsored by Saga Prefecture’s Arita 400-year anniversary initiative, is produced by Ken Okuyama’s Ken Okuyama Design company. “Arita, birthplace of Japanese Ceramics, will celebrate the 400th anniversary of its porcelain industry in 2016.” says Ken Okuyama. “As we celebrate 400 years of traditions and techniques refined over its long history, a new Arita is coming to the world.”
Ahead of the 400th anniversary, trading companies and ceramic workshops from Imari, Arita, Ureshino and Takeo, the four main regions where Arita porcelain is produced, presented their works at the Fall 2014 edition of Maison & Objet. Eight companies participated in the exhibition; Arita Porcelain Lab, Fukagawa-Seiji, Gen-Emon, Hataman, Kamachi-Toho, Kihara, Riso Ceramics, 224Porcelain.
“In 2016, Arita will mark its 400 year-anniversary. Traditions cannot live on through heritage alone. Constant innovation is the real safeguard of Arita’s traditions. With the ARITA 400project, Arita is bringing about the innovation that will continue to shape its history for the next four hundred years.”