Imari

Imari porcelain was the European name for Japanese porcelain goods made in the town of Arita and exported from the port of Imari, specifically for the European export trade.

There are many types of ‘Imari’ porcelain, however, the type most associated in Western minds with Imari is the type that was exported in large quantities in the mid 17th Century. This type is a coloured porcelain with a cobalt blue underglaze and red and gold overglaze. The subject matter is diverse ranging from people to foliage and flowers, scenery and abstractions. Most of these designs were uniquely Japanese drawn from the rich tradition of Japanese painting and costume design.

Export of Imari to Europe stopped in the mid-18th century when China began to export again as Imari could not compete due to high labour costs. However, the style was very popular so China copied both the Imari and Kakiemon style which is called Chinese Imari. At the same time European potters in Meissen and Delft imitated the style. In the early 19th Century Robert Chamberlain’s factory at Worcester also attempted to imitate it as did Crown Derby at the same time.

There was a surge of Imari again in the late 19th Century when Japonism flourished in Europe. This means that there are two distinct types of Imari which are completely different from a collector’s viewpoint.

The porcelain can be distinguished by its gritty texture on unglazed portions such as the bases.