Arita Ware "Technique - Overglaze Painted Enamel"

Arita Ware and Imari Ware

The term "Arita Ware" appears sporadically in records of the Edo period, but came into widespread use after in 1897 during the Meiji period. In that year a railroad line to Arita was opened, making it possible for pottery to be shipped directly from Arita instead of going through the port of Imari. Previously in the Edo period, when porcelain made in Arita and other towns in the Hizen region was shipped from the port of Imari, the ware was called “Imari Ware.” Shipments from Imari port destined for the Japanese market were sent to Osaka and other domestic ports, while ware for overseas markets was routed from Imari through Nagasaki.