Arita Keizan Kiln

Auspicious Patterns

The patterns painted on Keizan kiln products, which are hand-painted one by one by the craftsmen, are all auspicious and each has a particular meaning and wish. Here are some of the meanings of the designs of Keizan kiln products, which will make you feel good placing them on your dining table at home, and also make them an attractive choice as a gift.

Twin Prawns

Because of its bent back and long mustache, the prawn has been called the "old man of the sea" in Japan, symbolizing longevity. Keizan kiln has created a uniquely auspicious pattern of mating prawns, wishing for a long life together as a married couple.

Fan

The shape and pattern of an spread fan is an auspicious pattern that signifies nobility, and in ceramics, it is also the shape of plates loved by tea masters. Placing many those small plates together on a table gives a festive and joyful impression and makes the celebration more memorable.

Sea Bream

Sea bream is a favored tasty fish and an essential element of celebrations. It is a dynamic pattern, and one of Keizan kiln's specialties is patterns related to the marine life.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and also the most well-known symbolic image of Japan. Just having a picture of Mt. Fuji on the dining table is a remarkable way to express the atmosphere typical of Japanese cuisine.

Sho-Chiku-Bai

Sho-Chiku-Bai is a Japanese auspicious pattern of pine tree, bamboo, and plum blossom, plants that symbolize longevity, growth, and nobility, and Keizangama infuses this traditional pattern into Arita Ware with its own minimalist sensibility.

1. Forming, Carving

Amakusa ceramic stone, a beautiful white color of itself, is used as the raw material for the porcelain used to make Keizan kiln tableware.the porcelain clay made by the stone is formed, dried over a long period of time, and then carved into more detailed shapes.

2. Bisque Firing

The dried clay base is fired at approximately 900°C (1652°F). After bisque firing, the clay becomes stronger and absorbs more water, making underglazing and glazing easier.

3. "Nakadachi"

In this process, Keizan kiln's original design is drafted in Sumi ink on thin Japanese paper, which is then rubbed onto the surface of the work to transfer it. Sumi ink does not remain because it will burn when fired.

4. Underglazing: "Dami"

The patterns are painted with a cobalt blue underglaze called “Gosu". First, a thin brush is used to draw the lines, and then a special brush called “Dami" is used to express the color shading. This process requires the most patience, and is also that gives Keizan kiln's products their beautiful charm.

5. Glazing

Glazing determines the color and texture of a piece of porcelain, and the quality of the glaze is what makes the piece appealing. The clear glaze, combined with the underglaze, gives a variety of expressions that are very pleasing to the eye.

6. High Firing

Secondaly fired at a high temperature of nearly 1300°C (2372°F), the product is hardened. The clay and glaze become semiglassified, resulting in a robust porcelain, and the underglaze develops a translucent blue color.

7. Overgrazing

Overglazing on the fired porcelain glaze with gorgeous colors such as red, green, and yellow using traditional Arita Ware techniques. Finally, the overglazed works are baked at a low temperature to complete the beautiful Keizan kiln's Arita porcelain.