IMARI TOUEN
One of Imari’s entrepreneurs, Sadada Kaneko, invited a potter named Chitōjin Sawada from Kyoto to establish Imaritoen. It was founded with the aspiration of preserving the craftsmanship of the traditional Arita ware and producing high quality Imari ware.
Chitōjin said, “Things that are relaxing to look at, that are familiar, enjoyable, and somehow feel pleasing and graceful, will directly enrich our lives”. Under the teaching of sticking to the fundamentals, he raised awareness of the raw materials and tools such as clay, glaze and so forth, and improved the skills of the artisans.
Chitōjin had conducted painstaking research on ancient Chinese ceramics, and he pursued the beauty of usage by making full use of traditional pottery techniques.
We have developed and produced a variety of products with a fresh sensitivity that harmonizes with the current lifestyle.
In particular, the contemporary Imari ware that was designed by craft designer Eiji Okamoto, who was the factory manager at the time, established the foundation of Imaritoen.
Chitōjin had conducted painstaking research on ancient Chinese ceramics, and he pursued the beauty of usage by making full use of traditional pottery techniques.
We have developed and produced a variety of products with a fresh sensitivity that harmonizes with the current lifestyle.
In particular, the contemporary Imari ware that was designed by craft designer Eiji Okamoto, who was the factory manager at the time, established the foundation of Imaritoen.
Hideki Kaneko, the current president of the company, took over the aspirations of his predecessor and opened a showroom at Okawa Chiyama in April 1993.
On the day that the showroom was opened, the deputy director of the British Museum happened to visit the showroom and he was fascinated with Chitōjin’s work. Chitōjin’s solo exhibition was held as the first solo exhibition of a Japanese ceramicist held at the British Museum in May 1997.
Chitōjin’s works have influenced many artists including Hiroshi Senju, Tsurutaro Kataoka, and Terumasa Hino, and they have all created ceramics at Imari Touen.
As the artisans are also inspired by the collaboration with visiting artists, they continue to take on the challenge of creating Imaritoen’s own new tableware by following Chitōjin’s teaching.
Chitōjin’s works have influenced many artists including Hiroshi Senju, Tsurutaro Kataoka, and Terumasa Hino, and they have all created ceramics at Imari Touen.
As the artisans are also inspired by the collaboration with visiting artists, they continue to take on the challenge of creating Imaritoen’s own new tableware by following Chitōjin’s teaching.
Add a touch of color and warmth to family bonds with Imari tableware
Be a group of potters who continue to pursue the beauty of use
Maintain integrity throughout the experience
We would like to create a new style of Imari ware to meet the needs of people’s lifestyles, especially when we now need to accommodate new ways of living.
Our artisans are working as one team to continuously and sincerely make efforts to uphold Imari ware.
President
Hideki KANEKO
| Company Name | IMARI TOUEN CO., LTD. |
|---|---|
| President | Hideki KANEKO |
| Establish | 1968 |
| Address | 1212-1 Okawachichohei, Imari city, Saga, 848-0026, JAPAN |
| TEL | +81-955-22-8501 |
| Employees | 6 |
| Capital | 35 million YEN |
| Official website | https://www.imaritouen.co.jp/ |
