Kutani ware is characterized by its colorful overglaze called "Gosai (five-colored)." The brilliant overglaze painting is unique to each kiln, and every kiln has its own unique style of painting. The clay used for Kutani ware is both ceramic and porcelain, each with its own unique qualities, and both offer vivid colors. 

Although its production once ceased in the start of the 18th century, Kutani ware was revived 100 years later and once again thrived as a craft as multiple kilns opened and specialized in generating their own unique styles. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the technique of applying gold patterns called "Kinrande," in addition to the five colors of painting, was developed and attracted worldwide attention under the name of "Japan Kutani." Kutani ware continues to evolve while keeping in touch with its traditional roots.

Through its long history, Kutani ware has safeguarded traditional techniques and styles while embracing modern advancements. 

Kutani ware was introduced in 1655 during the early years of the Edo period (c.1603-1867) by Toshiharu Maeda, the first lord of the Kaga-Daishoji Domain. Upon the discovery of pottery stones at the Kutani gold mine, a kiln was built in Kutani village to produce porcelain, which gave Kutani ware its name.

The kiln in Kutani Village was so successful that it became a landmark of the Kaga-Daishoji Domain, but was closed down about 50 years after its opening. Kutani ware produced during this short period of time is known as "Ko-Kutani (old Kutani)" and is treasured as the foundation of Japanese colored porcelain with its rich and colorful overglaze painted in the signature five colors of ultramarine blue, red, purple, green and yellow.

Several theories exist regarding the reason for the early closure of the kiln; the demise of Maeda Toshiharu, economic difficulties resulting from famine, contention within the domain, and interference by the Tokugawa shogunate. The details still remain a mystery.

About 100 years after the closure of the Kutani Village kiln, a significant number of new kilns producing overglaze porcelain reopened under the endorsement of the Maeda family. The production of Kutani ware was revived and is known as "The Revival of Kutani." These new kilns created new styles using new techniques to manufacture exquisite colorful overglaze porcelain and Sometsuke porcelain. And the diverse elements of these styles from differing kilns came together to form new styles and designs in the modern era after the Meiji period (1868-1912).

For further details on the history of Kutani ware, please read our interview with Shin-ichi Nakaya, Director of The Kutani porcelain Art Museum.

1655 Kutani kiln opened in Kutani Village by order of Maeda Toshiharu, the first feudal lord of the Daishoji Domain.

1656 Iroe porcelain was fired at the Kutani kiln.

1807 Under the guidance of Aoki Mokubei, the Kasugayama kiln opened on Mt. Utatsu, Kanazawa.

1811 Teikichi Honda discovered pottery stones in Hanasaka Village (present-day Komatsu City) and started the Wakasugi Kiln.

1819 Rokuemon Yabu established Ono kiln.

1824 Yoshidaya Denemon built Yoshidaya kiln in the former Kutani Village, and moved the kiln to Echuya in Yamashiro after a little over a year.

1831 Miyamotoya Uemon managed and took over Yoshidaya kiln, and invited Iidaya Hachiroemon to open Miyamoto kiln.

1841 Shozo Kutani opened the Terai Kiln in Terai Village (present-day Nomi City).

1848 The Matsuyama kiln was opened under the Daishoji clan's management.

1860 The Daishoji clan purchased the Miyamoto kiln and established the Kutani Hon Kiln.

1865 The Daishojii clan invited Eiraku Wazen from Kyoto to the Kutani Hon Kiln.

1873 Kutani ware was exhibited at the Vienna World's Fair.

1876 Kutani ware was exhibited at the Philadelphia World's Fair.

1878 Exhibited at the Paris Exposition

1908 Kutani Tea Bowl Festival begins

1975 Kutani ware was recognized as a traditional craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (present-day Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)

1997 Held the "Kutani International Decorative Ceramics Competition '97."

2004 Created lead-free overglaze enamel for Kutani ware porcelain

2004 Exhibited at the 1st Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale

2005 Exhibited at Maison & Objet, Paris

2009 Obtained the regional collective trademark "Kutaniyaki"

2016 Held the 360th annual exhibition of Kutani ware, the "Essence of Iroe"

2018 Held the 2nd Japanese craft exhibition in China "Kutani Ware 2018"