GEN-EMON
In contrast to “Kanyo (official kilns)” that were directly operated by a domain, privately operated kilns are called “Minyo”. Gen-emon is said to have been founded in 1753 as a private kiln. Afterwards, the control of the kiln site by the Nabeshima clan was removed in the 1870s, and Gen-emon’s kiln was built at the present location. From this time until the 1950s, their main product was blue-and-white ware (Shonzui and Kosometsuke) which was a copy of the refined taste tableware that was made for Japanese tea ceremony masters in Jingdezhen China from the end of the Ming period and to the early Qing period. Their products were mainly delivered to high-class restaurants nationwide.
The 6th generation boss, Gen-emon Tatebayashi, went to East Germany during the Cold War to study the Arita ware that had been collected by European royalty and aristocrats in the 1700s, and he was very impressed by the skills and passion of the time.
He brought back “Exported Imari” and after conducting a conscientious study, finally revived and established the “Gen-emon style Ko-Imari (Ancient Imari)”. Afterwards, their collaboration with companies such as Tiffany & Co. and so on, was very well received.
The 6th generation boss, Gen-emon Tatebayashi, went to East Germany during the Cold War to study the Arita ware that had been collected by European royalty and aristocrats in the 1700s, and he was very impressed by the skills and passion of the time.
He brought back “Exported Imari” and after conducting a conscientious study, finally revived and established the “Gen-emon style Ko-Imari (Ancient Imari)”. Afterwards, their collaboration with companies such as Tiffany & Co. and so on, was very well received.
They are continuing to pass down the spirit and skills of the Edo potters and the legacy of Gen-emon the sixth, while they pursue the functional beauty of porcelain that matches our times and lifestyles.
In addition to developing new products in a wide range of fields from everyday use tableware to interior products and craftwork, the company also took on the challenge of new fields, such as a collaboration with nendo, a design office lead by Mr. Oki Sato, and with Herend, a famous kiln in Hungary, as well as the production of porcelain kaleidoscopes, porcelain fountain pens, and so forth.
Since 2015, Gen-emon has been exhibiting at Maison & Objet in Paris to improve their recognition in Europe. In 2020, they started a new project to convey the appeal of Gen-emon to people in Asia.
As long as people have the desire for it, they will continue to make timeless and valuable tableware.
Since 2015, Gen-emon has been exhibiting at Maison & Objet in Paris to improve their recognition in Europe. In 2020, they started a new project to convey the appeal of Gen-emon to people in Asia.
As long as people have the desire for it, they will continue to make timeless and valuable tableware.
Fulfill your heart through the use of handcrafted tableware
Be a pottery that makes timeless and valuable tableware
A group of artisans who take pride in their immense skill
The reason why our tableware attracts people is because of our skilled artisans’ abundant abilities of expression.
This history that we have has been handed down over a long period of time. From the traditional Ko-Imari design patterns to the contemporary design patterns, every single product is filled with the freshness and richness of sensitivity that only we can express.
As long as there is a desire for it, we will continue to create tableware that touches the hearts of the people and remains close to them.
President
Shoji KANEKO
| Company Name | GEN-EMON GAMA CO., LTD. |
|---|---|
| President | Shoji KANEKO |
| Business | Manufacturing and sale of Japanese and Western-style porcelain tableware (for home and business use) with over 260 years of traditional skills, as well as porcelain crafts and interior goods. |
| Establishment | 1753 |
| Incorporation | July 1957 |
| Address | 2726 Maruohei, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura gun, Saga, 844-0023, JAPAN |
| TEL | +81-955-42-4164 |
| Number of Employees | 80 (As of November 2020) |
| Capital | 20 million YEN |
| Official website | http://www.gen-emon.co.jp/ |
