| Kutani |
About Ko Kutani Porcelain............
During 17th Century in Edo period, Madeda Toshiharu (1618-1660), the lord of Daishoji in Kaga started the kilns in the mountain village of Kutani. Although the origin of Ko Kutani was not well documented, it is firmly believed that Ko Kutani was produced in Kaga. Ko Kutani porcelain wares during Edo were very much different from the style of early Imari. It has exquisite sense of colors and designs with dynamic artistic expression. Ko Kutani has its unique place in Japanese porcelain history.
Daishoji Imari 大聖寺伊万里
Daishoji is the name of the castle town once ruled by Maeda Toshiharu in Kaga (Ishikawa prefecture). During Meiji period (1868-1912), Kutani kilns were revised by Daishoji merchants who were eager to make business ventures free from Daimyo ( feudal prince ). Daishoji Imari ware was produced by these merchants mostly for export after Meiji to early Showa in the style of Ko Imari from Mid Edo period.
Inoue Togen 陶源
The name Inoue Togen was a logo used by the company Inoue Shoten in Daishoji, Ishikawa Prefecture. In Meiji period, Kutani kilns became active again after the major historical change. Daishoji Imari is a name for Imari style porcelain produced by Kutani kilns in Daishoji area. One of these makers was Inoue Shoten.
Inoue Shoten was first started by Inoue Katsusaku (1842-1909) in the early Meiji period, around 1877. He was able to combine old Kutani traditional techniques with modern business ideas. His Daishoji Imari & other porcelain products were highly appreciated both domestically and foreign commerce. He was succeeded by his sons. His first son began using the professional name of Inoue Ryuhei II. And after his death, his second son , Katsuhichi (1885-1922) continued his name as Inoue Ryuhei III as a trade name. After his death, his other brother, Keisaku (1891-1977) kept his family business for 56 years and became prominent Daishoji merchant. After Meiji, at Kutani kilns like Inoue Shoten, they divided their working process by different workers and artists. Blank ware hand painted in under glazed blue was brought to painters and then decorated over blue patterns with enamel colors.
