Sakaida Kakiemon I

Japanese potter

Also known as: Sakaida Kizaemon

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July 13, 2026

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Sakaida Kakiemon I was a renowned Japanese potter and the founder of the celebrated Sakaida family of potters. He is credited with perfecting the overglaze enamel technique in porcelain during the Kan'ei era (1624–1643) in Arita. This technique allowed for vibrant colors, including iron red, light blue, bluish green, and yellow, often with gilding.12

Kakiemon ware is characterized by its asymmetrical designs, with themes like quail patterns and sprigs of foliage, leaving much of the white porcelain untouched. This style was exported to Europe and significantly influenced early European porcelain factories, such as Chelsea, Bow, Worcester, Meissen, and Chantilly. Despite the popularity of European imitations, original Kakiemon wares are quite rare.2

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Kakiemon ware
Sakaida Kakiemon I perfected this overglaze technique at Arita in the Kan’ei era (1624–43). It was continued by his family, and, since many of them were also called Kakiemon, the style has become known by that name. Characteristic colours are iron red, light blue, bluish…
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Sakaida Kakiemon I perfected this overglaze technique at Arita in the Kan’ei era (1624–43). It was continued by his family, and, since many of them were also called Kakiemon, the style has become known by that name. Characteristic colours are iron red, light blue, bluish…
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Sakaida family
…of Japanese potters whose founder, Sakaida Kizaemon (1596–1666), was awarded the name Kakiemon in recognition of his capturing the delicate red colour and texture of the persimmon (kaki) in porcelain. See Kakiemon ware.
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…of Japanese potters whose founder, Sakaida Kizaemon (1596–1666), was awarded the name Kakiemon in recognition of his capturing the delicate red colour and texture of the persimmon (kaki) in porcelain. See Kakiemon ware.
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Japanese art
Ceramics
The potter Sakaida Kakiemon, active in Arita in western Japan, was a pioneer in expanding the colour range and design patterns on the newly achieved creamy white surfaces. His works were especially admired in Europe. Also produced in the Arita region, by potters working for the Nabeshima…
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The potter Sakaida Kakiemon, active in Arita in western Japan, was a pioneer in expanding the colour range and design patterns on the newly achieved creamy white surfaces. His works were especially admired in Europe. Also produced in the Arita region, by potters working for the Nabeshima…
Read More