GEN-EMON

GEN-EMON

STORY

Founded as a “Minyo (a private kiln)” in 1753,

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.

Revival of the Gen-emon style in 1970

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.

Revival of the Gen-emon style in 1970

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.

Challenging themselves with new fields in 2000

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.

Looking towards the world in 2020

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.

Looking towards the world in 2020

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.

PHILOSOPHY

MISSION

Fulfill your heart through the use of handcrafted tableware

MISSION

Fulfill your heart through the use of handcrafted tableware

VISION

Be a pottery that makes timeless and valuable tableware

VISION

Be a pottery that makes timeless and valuable tableware

VALUE

A group of artisans who take pride in their immense skill

VALUE

A group of artisans who take pride in their immense skill

MESSAGE

As long as there is a desire

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 PROFILE

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/

GALLERY

CATALOGUE

ACCESS

Address

2726 Maruohei, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura gun, Saga, 844-0023, JAPAN

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