Impressive import

Exquisite Japanese porcelain, popular among royals, available in Dubai

In traditional Japanese cuisine, it is as important for food to be pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Since presentation plays an integral role in the culinary culture of Japan, it makes the vessel that holds the food also a work of art.

Reflecting this aesthetic philosophy in their tableware, Fukugawa Porcelain is known for its incomparable quality and artistry. The royal family of Japan, including current Emperor Akihito, use this porcelain as their crockery of preference.

It was officially appointed purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency in 1910, claiming the highest honour in Japan's chinaware society.

Recently introduced in Dubai, this exclusive collection of Japanese porcelain is available at Kikyo confectionery boutique in Jumeirah Plaza.

From tea sets to serving platters and vases, the range is exquisite and functional. "Fukugawa porcelain is appreciated for its specialised craftsmanship and is a collector's item because of its impressive history," says Mihoko Tanaka, owner of Kikyo.

Stemming from a 350-year old tradition, Fukugawa-style porcelain is translucent white in colour with hand-painted embellishments ranging from natural motifs to contemporary designs. It is produced in Arita, a region considered the birthplace of fine Japanese porcelain that is located on the island of Kyushu in Southern Japan.

"While production of earthenware and pottery already existed in Japan, the beginning of the thinner more refined Japanese white porcelain started in the early 17th century," explains Tanaka. When Japanese feudal lords invaded Korea, they brought back with them skilled artisans.

One of them was a Korean potter named Ri Sampei, who first discovered the white stone of Mt. Izumiyama in Arita. Under orders from the local lord Nabeshima, he founded the Izumiyama kaolin quarry in 1616 that still produces the raw materials for porcelain today.

What distinguishes refined porcelain from ceramics is the manufacturing process. A higher percentage of kaolin (porcelain clay) is required and firing temperatures measure almost 1,350 Centigrade in the kiln.

With skilled craftsmen, elaborate techniques of underglazing and painting are applied to create exquisite designs. While Chinese and Korean influences may be evident, Japanese porcelain has developed a unique style of their own.

"The motifs are more colourful and westernised than the Korean porcelain I collect," agrees Ji Hae Jeong, a regular customer at Kikyo.

The Fukugawa company has adopted Mt. Fuji and river as their brand logo on their porcelain range. They have been awarded many prizes both domestic and foreign exhibitions. According to Tanaka, people in Dubai have also admired the collection.

"I have received a lot of local appreciation for this quality of porcelain. The tea sets with authentic designs are especially popular here," she concludes.