Japanese Antique China

japanese antiques

Japanese Antiques: War-like Beginnings of Antique Japanese China

Japanese Antiques

Over 400 years ago, a Japanese Overlord named Toyotomi Hideyoshi mounted an attack on Korea in order to invade China. This war would, in later years, come to be known as the ‘ceramic war’ and without it, antique Japanese china may very well not exist in the way that it does today.

From this war came the many, many Korean potters who were taken prisoner and brought to Japan. As time passed, their trade flourished in Japan as they took their art to great heights. Many of the ceramic Japanese antiques that exist today were made in the kilns set up by these Korean potters.

Antique Japanese China is Discovered by a Korean

One Korean potter in particular would change the face of antique Japanese plates, bowls, cups, and so on, completely. His name was Yi Sam-pyeong, and it was he who discovered porcelain clay in Arita. Perhaps even without the ‘ceramic wars’ it would have been discovered eventually, but the circumstances could not have been any better.

Following the discovery, Arita quickly blossomed into a porcelain hub for Japan as various kilns sprouted up to take advantage of the newfound industry. Chances are, any porcelain antique Japanese plates dating back to that period were made in Arita itself.

Another War, Another Advancement for Japanese Porcelain

When successive rebellions and wars in China broke out in the 1640’s, Chinese potters fled to Japan in search of livelihood. Welcoming them with open arms, Arita kilns benefited directly from this influx, as the Chinese potters brought with them knowledge that was more valuable than any gold.

Up to this point in time, antique Japanese china was not as refined as the Chinese variety, but now, with the advancements brought over by the migrating Chinese potters, this disparity disappeared. By applying the enamel glaze method, antique Japanese plates grew more and more sought after.

Prospering enormously, porcelain changed the Japanese antiques market completely. At one point in time, it was a flourishing export for Japan, and has gone from strength to strength.

Without the wars that brought about this trade, it is entirely possible that antique Japanese china would not be the delicately beautiful craft that it is today. Equally, the artistic prowess that it is so renown for would possibly never have seen the light of day, which would definitely affect the appeal to owning it.

About the Author

As things stand, owning Japanese antiques is something that is more than just a hobby. Collecting these priceless pieces of art that are so steeped in tradition, culture, and surreal beauty is something that so many people have found value in. All you need to do is see the beauty of the antique Japanese plates that and other antique Japanese china pieces that are listed in the link, and be amazed by the delicate exquisiteness.

How can I tell if my folding fan is Japanese or Chinese? Is it authentic?

I recently purchased a folding fan, still in box, from a thrift store. The box itself has a sticker on the front and one on the side, but the characters are of an Oriental language. So, I can’t read them. Once fully opened, the scene on the fan itself is of 2 koi-fish, or carp(I’m not sure which), and there is also what appears to be some kind of trademark stamped on it, with some characters written out next to it. The scene is beautifully done, whether printed on or painted. There are 19 ribs, including the wider ribs on either end, that look to be bamboo, and they are painted or varnished in a lovely dark color. I can’t tell whether or not this is an authentic hand-crafted piece, or if it is just your run-of-the-mill mass-produced tourist souvenier. I’d love to know, whether or not it’s authentic, and perhaps if it is, whether or not it’s an antique. Thanks so much!

It might be worth taking it to a local Chinese or Japanese restaurant to see if the people there can read the characters. Knowing which language if it is and IF they are real characters should point you in a direction.
Go the biggest library available and check to see if you can find photos of fans like yours. (Make photocopies and any that seem similar and note the book and author.)
If there is a museum with an Asian department in your town, or a nearby city, you can ask if a curator would be willing to look at photos or the actual fan to give you some feedback. (You can mention your other research.)
They may not be willing, (or may be prevented by museum policy,) but if that’s the case, they should be willing to point you in the direction of someone who is knowledgeable about Asian fans.

Antique Oriental Thai style gilt life size standing Buddha