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- Jan. 16. 2025
The town of Arita in Japan’s Saga prefecture has long been known for its 400-year-old history of Arita-yaki, the first Japan-made porcelain. The craft has captivated collectors and connoisseurs worldwide with its timeless elegance and versatility, suited to any occasion. Here are 4 brands and artists we love, each creating pieces with stories that reflect their unique interpretations while honoring the core principles of this revered craft.
Left: Noriyuki Momota
Middle: Momota Touen
2351-169 Akasaka, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga
☎ 0955-42-2519
Open 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Right: Designed by Scholten & Baijings.
milk can & sugar can & platter, platter, espresso cup, deep plate
In 2012, Noriyuki Momota partnered with designer Teruhiro Yanagihara, to launch 1616/arita japan, aiming to bring Aritayaki to dining tables worldwide.
“While respecting tradition, we wanted to challenge preconceptions,” Momota shares enthusiastically. The journey was far from easy. When Yanagihara first presented designs featuring flat, undecorated pieces, it symbolized a dramatic pivot from Arita’s iconic raised-foot bowls and elaborate patterns. Momota recalls his initial hesitation: “I struggled with whether such minimal designs had a place in Arita.” However, it was Yanagihara’s profound assertion that “tradition only survives through innovation” ultimately giving him the courage to proceed. Convincing the craftsmen proved even more challenging, but their shared passion for showcasing Arita’s beauty to the world ultimately forged a united from behind this bold new vision. Every piece stands as a groundbreaking collaboration between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship.
Left: Fumie Tanaka
Middle: Gallery Tezuka
1-2-2 Otaru, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga
☎ 0955-42-2018
Open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on irregular days
Right: A delightful set of small plates, each crafted with Ms. Tanaka’s “favorites” woven into every detail. These charming plates are as versatile as they are beautiful—perfect as lids for your mug, elegant trays for serving treats, or stylish rests for your tea bag.
In another corner of Arita, Fumie Tanaka shares her stories through her porcelain. She adds charm and whimsy to traditional patterns with her small plates (mamezara) featuring playful scenes: dogs in bamboo hats peeking out from classical motifs and rabbits gazing at moon-viewing dumplings painted on circular dishes. “I’ve always loved working with small pieces,” she says. Inspired often during tea breaks, she jokingly explained that she makes these dishes simply because she wants special plates to showcase her favorite local confections like Ogi-youkan and Chawan-monaka. Calling herself a “daydreaming chef,” she also creates a wide range of everyday items from rice bowls to pasta plates. Each piece reflects her heartfelt desire to “bring color and joy to the dining table through these dishes.“
Left: Shinji Terauchi
Middle:Riso Porcelain
1-4-20 Shirakawa, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga
☎ 0955-42-2438
Open 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on irregular days
Right: The Oryoki set is a six-piece collection suitable for both celebratory occasions and everyday meals. Each bowl features a delicately carved “tobikanna” pattern on the surface, coated with a soft, pale blue glaze. The nesting design ensures convenient storage without taking up extra space.
At Riso Porcelain, fourth-generation owner Shinji Terauchi continues to shape Arita’s legacy. Riso Porcelain has earned international acclaim for creating ceramics that transcend cultural boundaries. Terauchi, who studied industrial design at Musashino Art University before joining a trading company, brings both artistic vision and business expertise to his craft. His iconic 3-layer Jubako Box, which resembles modern sculptures, is featured in prestigious restaurants and contemporary homes worldwide. “In the near future, I want to work with this porcelain stone from Izumiyama, which is essentially the root of Arita ware,” Terauchi shares. His dedication to preserving heritage while embracing innovation exemplifies Riso Porcelain’s mission: honoring Arita’s rich history and techniques while evolving to meet the needs of modern dining.
Left: Akio Momota
Middle: in blue Akatsuki
3499-6 Kuromuta Hei, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga
☎ 0955-42-3987 / 080-6407-4139
Open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on irregular days
Right: A bowl perfect for arranging flowers or serving dishes by placing dressings or dips in the central indentation.
At his gallery “in blue Akatsuki,” nestled within a forest, Akio Momota finds inspiration within the beauty of nature. “The blue of the sky, the ripples of water, the changing seasons – this environment provides endless inspiration,” he shares. After studying under two master potters with distinctly different styles – the bold techniques of Shiro Soejima and the precise traditional methods of Shunemon Okugawa – Momota developed his own unique approach. The beauty of his work lies in the harmonious interplay between form and design. “Since I want people to use these pieces daily, functionality is just as important as aesthetics,” Momota explains. “I pay particular attention to the thinness of pieces that touch the lips.” His masterful techniques add sophistication to the table while echoing the unfiltered beauty of nature.
Each of these artisans represents a unique aspect of Arita’s evolution. Whether through bold modernization, playful reinterpretation, international collaboration, or refined simplicity, they all share a common goal: preserving tradition while making it relevant in today’s world. Their stories and creations demonstrate how Arita-yaki, while deeply rooted in history, continues to grow and adapt, remaining as vibrant and beautiful as ever.
Photo credit: Hisashi Kuma