Kakiemon is a style of Japanese porcelain, with overglaze decoration called "enameled" ceramics. It was originally produced at the factories around Arita, in Japan's Hizen province from the Edo period's mid-17th century onwards. The quality of its decoration was highly prized in the West and widely imitated by major European porcelain manufacturers during the Rococo period.
Kakiemon Imari ware hexagonal jar, flowering plant and phoenix design in overglaze enamel. Edo period, 17th century
Kakiemon square bottle with plums and stylized flowers in glaze and gilding. Edo period, 1670–1690
17th-century dish
Kakiemon Hizen ware pair of model elephants. 1660–1690
Japanese pottery and porcelain
Pottery and porcelain is one of the oldest Japanese crafts and art forms, dating back to the Neolithic period. Kilns have produced earthenware, pottery, stoneware, glazed pottery, glazed stoneware, porcelain, and blue-and-white ware. Japan has an exceptionally long and successful history of ceramic production. Earthenwares were made as early as the Jōmon period, giving Japan one of the oldest ceramic traditions in the world. Japan is further distinguished by the unusual esteem that ceramics hold within its artistic tradition, owing to the enduring popularity of the tea ceremony.
"Fujisan" white Raku ware tea bowl (chawan) by Hon'ami Kōetsu, Edo period (National Treasure)
Tea-leaf jar with a design of wisteria by Nonomura Ninsei, Edo period (National Treasure)
Jōmon pottery flame-style (火焔土器, kaen doki) vessel, 3000–2000 BC, attributed provenance Umataka, Nagaoka, Niigata
Haniwa warrior in keiko armor, Kofun period, 6th century (National Treasure)