Japanese ceramic styles

From 1659, Japan's fledgling blue and white export industry flourished. However, it was Japan's innovative, colourful wares that provoked a European frenzy in the 1680s. Two distinct enamelled wares were developed by the VOC, a delicate Kakiemon style and a bolder Imari style. Production peaked from 1690 through 1725, but faced with cheaper Chinese exports, trade ceased by 1745. Western demand continued, especially for Kakiemon, prompting European potters to imitate these wares.

Kakiemon style (1680-1725)

Kakiemon wares had simple, asymmetrical designs exposing a fine milk-white body. A brilliant palette of cerulean blue, soft-coral red, green, yellow and black enamels was applied onto the glazed surface and fired again at a lower temperature. Several independent enamelling studios were active in Arita, one was owned by the Kakiemon family from whom the whole category of ware takes its name.

Kakiemon imitations and deceptions (1720-55)

From 1700 Dutch enamellers copied Kakiemon designs onto less expensive white porcelain. Aristocratic demand for Kakiemon in Paris, spawned a plot (foiled in 1731) to sell counterfeit Meissen copies of Japanese originals from Augustus the Strong's collection. Elsewhere tin was deliberately added to the glaze to imitate the milk-white body, at Chantilly in France, from 1735 and at Chelsea in 1750.

English Kakiemon (1760-1840)

Kakiemon was popular in England longer than in any other country. Improved technology meant these luxury wares were affordable by the middle classes.  Designs were simplified into easily copied patterns. Bow specialized in Kakiemon patterns from 1750, while from 1760 Worcester adapted Kakiemon patterns in increasingly confused and exotic designs into the 1820s.

Imari style (1690-1740)