Sakaida Kakiemon

Sakaida Kakiemon (Japanese: 酒井田柿右衛門), or Sakaida Kizaemon (1615— 1653) was a Japanese potter who invented the style known after him as Kakiemon. He worked in association with Higashijima Tokue, and created the first enamelled porcelain in Japan.[1]

Sakaida Kakiemon
酒井田柿右衛門
Born1615
Died1653 (aged 37–38)
NationalityJapanese
OccupationPotter
Kakiemon plate, 1680-1700

Biography

Sakaida Kakiemon started his porcelain business following the fall of the Ming dynasty in China and the succeeding disruption of traditional Chinese porcelain exports to Europe. Sakaida Kakiemon is said to have learned the enamel porcelain technique from a Chinese artisan in Nagasaki in 1643.[2] He was the first in Japan to practice overglaze enameling (applying enamel on top of the glazing), a technique developed in China during the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty.[2] He also refined the method for producing a translucent white glaze.[3]

Kakiemon kiln site in Arita

The first pieces were produced in 1643, with Chinese pigments.[3] They are also called ko-Imari, as they were shipped to Europe through the harbour of Imari.[3] Kakiemon ware was extensively exported to Europe by the Dutch, until the Chinese industry was reestablished with the stabilization of the Qing dynasty, and the Dutch then shifted their orders to China, which started to manufacture imitations of the Japanese ware, known as "Chinese Imari".[2]

Sakaida Kakiemon's work is said to have been the probable inspiration for Chantilly and Meissen porcelains.[3] The most important European collections are in Hampton Court in London, and in the Zwinger in Dresden.[3]

Successors

The Kakiemon productions almost disappeared by the end of the 18th century, but were revived in the 20th century by his descendants.[3] The main heir of the family always takes on the name Kakiemon. Sakaida Kakiemon XIV (1934-2013) became a Living National Treasure. The current head Sakaida Kakiemon XV is his son and works at the family kiln in Arita, Saga Prefecture.[4]

Notes
  1. Brinkley, Frank (1999). Japan: Its History, Arts and Literature. Adegi Graphics LLC. p. 112. ISBN 9780543944481. Retrieved 28 August 2010.
  2. Blumenfield, Robert H. (2002). Blanc de Chine: The Great Porcelain of Dehua. Ten Speed Press. p. 202. ISBN 9781580082938. Retrieved 28 August 2010.
  3. Frédéric, Louis (2002). Japan Encyclopedia. Harvard University Press. p. 455. ISBN 9780674017535. Retrieved 28 August 2010.
  4. Yoshida, Reiji (16 June 2013). "Potter Kakiemon Sakaida dies at 78". The Japan Times Online. Retrieved 16 June 2013.


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