Old Kutani ware

Old Kutani ware is a type of Japanese porcelain originating from Kaga province (now Ishikawa prefecture). It is characterized by the heavy application of overglaze enamels. The original kilns, established by the Maeda family around 1656, used coarse, gray clay. Pieces were often decorated with a white or blue-white matte glaze in colors like greens, yellows, and reds, sometimes with cobalt blue underglaze.1

The "Old Kutani" style, particularly "Green Kutani," features extensive green or blue-green glaze with added colors or designs in black. These bold designs were influenced by Chinese ceramics and paintings. The original kiln ceased operation around 1704 due to financial issues and pigment shortages.1

Production revived in the 19th century, with new styles emerging, including the use of gold on a red ground. By the 1890s, modern Kutani ware became a significant export. Some scholars suggest that much of what is considered Old Kutani ware may have actually been produced in Arita.1