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Sep 23 min read

A thousand years of Japanese ceramics

Japanese ceramics, or yakimono, are one of Japan's oldest and most revered artistic expressions. Born over 15,000 years ago, it has evolved over the centuries, drawing on the cultural and technical influences of each era. From the utilitarian pottery of the Jōmon period to the refined porcelain of the Edo and Meiji eras, Japanese ceramics have always been intimately linked to the daily lives and rituals of the Japanese people.


Japanese ceramics is an art form that has had a profound impact on the history and culture of Japan. Its roots go back to the Jōmon period (14,000 - 300 BC), when the first inhabitants of the archipelago created astonishing pottery with corded motifs, demonstrating a surprising technical mastery for the time. These early works, often made from mineral-rich local clays, bear witness to a close relationship between man and nature.


Pot, Earthenware with incised decoration, Japan, Late Jōmon period (c. 2500-1000 BC), held at the MET in New York

With the arrival of the Yayoi period (300 BC - 300 AD), the introduction of the potter's wheel revolutionised pottery-making, making it possible to create more regular shapes and larger volumes. Exchanges with the Asian continent, particularly Korea, considerably enriched the aesthetic repertoire of Japanese potters, who adopted new techniques and motifs. It was during the Asuka period (538-710 AD) that Japanese ceramics became deeply imbued with Buddhist and Chinese influences.


Tile with Buddha triad, earthenware, Japan, Asuka period (538 - 710), kept at the MET in New York

Glazing techniques and refined decorations were developed, giving rise to elegant, refined pieces. The tea ceremony, introduced to Japan in the 16th century, played a key role in the development of ceramics. Tea masters such as Sen no Rikyū advocated a simple, uncluttered aesthetic, emphasising imperfection and authenticity. Tea bowls (chawan), designed for this ceremony, became veritable works of art, often made by renowned potters.


The Edo period (1603-1868) was a golden age for Japanese ceramics. Distinct regional styles emerged, each with its own characteristics. Imari ceramics, with their bright floral motifs and vivid colours, conquered European markets. Bizen stoneware, on the other hand, seduced with its rusticity and unique patina, obtained by firing at high temperatures in wood-fired kilns. These ceramics were often produced on a large scale, in response to growing demand on both the domestic and export markets.

Large dish, Nabeshima porcelain, Japan, 18th century, estimated by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €17,000

With the opening up of Japan to the Western world at the end of the 19th century, Japanese ceramics aroused an unprecedented craze in Europe and the United States. Artists such as Bernard Leach, seduced by the simplicity and beauty of Japanese ceramics, helped to spread Japanese techniques and aesthetics in the West.


Today, Japanese ceramics continue to evolve, while drawing on a rich heritage. Many contemporary ceramists are revisiting traditional techniques, adapting them to today's sensibilities. They experiment with new materials, new forms and new expressions, while remaining deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Japanese ceramics is much more than a simple utilitarian object; it is an artistic expression that bears witness to the creativity and sensitivity of Japanese potters. It is the fruit of a constant dialogue between tradition and modernity, between man and nature.

Pair of porcelain vases with Imari decoration, Japan, 19th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €2,200

Do you own a piece of Japanese ceramics and would like to know its origin, period or value? The experts at Gauchet Art Asiatique are at your disposal to carry out a free and confidential appraisal. Drawing on their experience and in-depth knowledge of the Asian art market, they will help you to estimate the value of your possessions and advise you on the best way to sell them. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a no-obligation valuation.




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