Kutani Studies Series – Vol. I: Daishoji-Imari

Dear Kutani and Japanese ceramics enthusiasts,

After almost 30 years of research, documentation, and comparative study, I am pleased to announce the launch of the Studies in Kutani Ceramics series, devoted to the history, technology, decoration, and artistic development of Kutani ware.

The first published volume is:

DAISHOJI-IMARI
A Regional Reinterpretation of Imari Ware in the Kaga Domain

This 178-page hardcover volume presents a comprehensive study of Daishoji-Imari production within the broader context of Kutani and Japanese export ceramics. The book combines historical research, stylistic analysis, workshop documentation, and an extensive photographic corpus assembled from museum collections, private archives, and documented examples collected over several decades.

Particular attention is given to:

  • the historical emergence of Daishoji-Imari;
  • merchant-organized production systems;
  • akae and kinrande decoration;
  • Chinese pattern books and workshop transmission;
  • the kurofune (Black Ship) motif;
  • attribution methodology;
  • and the relationship between Daishoji-Imari and the wider Kutani tradition.

The study also incorporates material from regional archives, museum documentation, and private collections, including sources that have rarely been published outside Japan.

The book is now available in hardcover in A4 size from:

Lulu: [https://www.lulu.com/shop/georges-bouvier-and-kutaniyaki-art-museum/daishoji-imari/hardcover/product-45j77vq.html?page=1&pageSize=4]

It is also available in hardcover and paperback in 11 inches size from:

Amazon: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H7XJY2D9], also UK, DE, FR, ES, IT, NL, PL, SE, BE, IE, CA, AU

Amazon Japan: [https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0HCJNZDJ4]

The Kutani Studies Series will continue with additional volumes devoted to Kutani Calligraphy, Kutani akae, Meiji Kutani, Gilt-Bronze Mounted Kutani and other specialized aspects of Kutani ceramics.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the collectors, researchers, museum curators and staff, and friends who generously shared documents, photographs, discussions, and encouragement throughout this long project.

Georges Bouvier
Kutani Ceramic Website
www.kutani.org