More than simple decorative pieces, Japanese porcelain and Japanese ceramic are highly prized pieces for their artistry and classical beauty. The historical symbols representing Japan are preserved within these pieces. This artwork keeps Japan’s history alive with the history and craftsmanship that go into these pieces. Those who own one of these pieces owns a piece of Japanese history.
With the ancient tradition of porcelain-making in Japan, these artifacts also have monetary value apart from being popular for their aesthetic beauties. Owning some is similar to making monetary investment, and the older and more dated they are, the more valuable. But then again, Japanese porcelain is most popular for their world-class beauties, so this is another good reason for getting some of your own.
They can always be great accent pieces in a room, home, or office. They can also complement an interior's design or color. A Japanese porcelain, unlike the other porcelains made in other countries which are sold for their antiquity or simple decorative purpose, is an art investment, a historical symbol, and a decorative piece all rolled into one. Up until today, thousands of these ancient pieces still exist in Japan and continue to attract thousands of local and foreign tourists and antique collectors who know their true value and gets them for what they are truly worth.
Japanese ceramic is similarly valued for their high form of art, their historical significance, and not merely because they are very beautiful pieces that one can choose to show off at their homes or offices. Dating back to the Neolithic Period, ceramics was borne from the ancient art of Japanese pottery using clay from rivers or rice paddies. Then they were known as Jomon, cone-shaped cooking pots and were simply used for daily cooking. Through the years, the materials and firing techniques for pottery vastly improved and this later led to the production of the ancient and beautiful ceramics in such pieces as tea pots, tea cups, sake cups, platters, and tea bowls.
There are specific areas in Japan, known for specializing in different styles of ceramic pieces, with each piece made meticulously, and imprinted with a stamp of Zen, the Japanese religion the represents simplicity and serenity. Today, there are more ceramic pieces produced and etched with this art form which can only be found in Japanese ceramics, and these pieces are prized for decorative style and practical use in all types of places.
Some examples of Japanese ceramics are tea bowls and sake cups that be found in nearly any Japanese home. Tea bowls are usually three pieces. Hagi bowls will have a Seisen seal, while Kuro raku bowls carry the seal of Shouraku, and the Karatsu bowls are stamped with the distinct Minematsu Gijin. Green teapots are an overwhelming favorite among traditionalist, with the Kyusu teapot perhaps the most popular. This particular teapot comes with one handle and strainer built in. The Kyusu is popular because it draws out maximum flavor of tea leaves. This piece only holds one or two cups each brew, but this Japanese ceramic represents the tradition of drinking tea in Japan.
Whether it is Japanese ceramic or Japanese porcelain you are looking to purchase as a decorative and investment piece, you can rest assured that it is not the material investment, but owning a piece of ancient art and beauty with this authentic art form.
