Arita-yaki by Risogama
Arita-yaki, one of Japan’s most renowned ceramic styles, is steeped in a history of over 400 years of tradition, craftsmanship, and international influence. Its hometown is Arita, a small town in Saga Prefecture on the Southern island of Kyushu. The same small town is home to the historical ceramic company Risogama. They proudly continue the Arita-yaki legacy with deep connections to the town’s storied past and its innovative future.
The Origins of Arita-yaki
Arita-yaki is said to originate in 1616 when Korean porcelain artisan Lee Sanpei (Yi Sam-pyeong), brought to Japan during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign in Korea, discovered a rich deposit of a brilliant white clay known as kaolin in Arita’s Izumiyama Mountain. When fired at high temperatures this relatively rare type of white clay transforms into stunning porcelain. The discovery of this clay coupled with knowledge of porcelain craftsmanship from the continent allowed porcelain to be produced in Japan for the first time.This special white clay, which could only be found domestically in Izumiyama and later was discovered in the Amakusa region, became the hallmark of Arita-yaki’s high-quality that has defined the craft for centuries.
During the 17th century, Arita-yaki flourished both in Japan and abroad. The Dutch East India Company exported large quantities of Arita porcelain to Europe. There it gained widespread popularity and influenced local European ceramics, including the famous Meissen porcelain of Germany. Although European production eventually replaced much of the global demand for Arita porcelain, Arita-yaki left a lasting mark on the world of ceramics.
The Founding of Risogama
Risogama’s story began in the mid-Meiji Era when Shinichi Terauchi, originally from Yamaguchi prefecture, relocated to Arita. At this time, Arita was home to one of Japan’s first modern art schools, which has since become the Arita Technical High School. Shinichi was invited to teach at this art school, contributing significantly to the domestic artistic community of the era, which was influenced by a growing interest in Western art.
In 1897, Shinichi was given a plot of land that had once belonged to Lee Sanpei, the storied father of Arita-yaki. This land became the site where Riso-yogyosho, the precursor to modern-day Risogama, was founded. In honor of Lee Sanpei, the character for "Ri" (李), in both Riso-yogyosho and Risogama references his legacy, creating a lasting homage to the legendary man who introduced porcelain-making to Arita.
Growth and Change at Risogama
The post-war economic boom in Japan during the 1950s and 60s saw a surge in the hotel industry. Risogama responded by producing mass quantities of ceramics for hotels, propelling the company’s growth. However, while the company found success through mass production, they also faced the challenge of staying connected to the artistry of their craft.
In the modern era, Shinji Terauchi, the fourth-generation president, took over the family business and shifted its direction. Shinji sought to create a deeper connection between Risogama’s products and their customers, moving away from mass production and focusing on creating ceramic that embodies the soul of both the artist and the tradition of Arita-yaki. “I want to listen to the voices of the users of our teaware,” says Shinji, emphasizing his commitment to making ceramic that resonates on a personal level with each of his customers.
Risogama Today
Today, Risogama continues to produce beautiful Arita-yaki using the same meticulous techniques that have been passed down through generations. Each piece is fired at temperatures as high as 1,300 degrees Celsius. The resulting hard, luminous porcelain reflects the timeless beauty and durability of Arita-yaki.
Though deeply rooted in tradition, Risogama embraces modern design and continues to innovate. Their approach ensures that their ceramic remains relevant in today's world. Each piece carries the spirit of Arita’s history, a testament to the centuries of artistry and dedication that have shaped Arita-yaki.