A Brief History of  Japanese Ceramics

Japanese ceramics have a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times and continues to show stunning results to this day. It would go too far to recount that long history in detail here, but a brief overview of the development of ceramic production in Japan is necessary to better understand contemporary ceramics. What social, economic or religious developments were important and how did they influence the cultural and artistic developments of the time? And do they explain what we can see today, either in imitation or reaction and counter-reaction to those developments. The dilemmas that exist between tradition and innovation, and the choices that are made in them, are an important gauge when assessing any art movement and in any era. Ceramic art is no exception.
In this brief history of Japanese ceramics, we provide an overview of the main developments over the centuries, and their possible significance for contemporary ceramics.

 

The history of Japan can be broadly divided into 5 ages:

 

Kodai, or the Old Age, about 15000 BC. -1185AD

  • Jomon period  ca. 15000 -300BC
  • Yayoi period 300BC - 300AD 
  • Kofun period  300AD-538
  • Asuka period 538–710

  • Nara  period  710-794

  • Heian period 794–1185 

 

Chusei, or Mediaeval time, 1185-1603

  • Kamakura period 1185 – 1336
  • Muromachi period 1336 – 1573
  • Nanbokucho period) 1336 – 1392
  • Sengoku period (period of warring states) 1467 – 1590
  • Azuchi-Momoyama period1568 – 1603

 

Kinsei 近世, or Early Modern time, 1603-1868

  • Edo period 1603 – 1868

 

Kindai 近代 , or Recent Modern time, 1868-1945

  • Meiji period 1868 – 1912
  • Taisho  Period 1912 – 1926
  • Showa-1  period 1926 – 1945

 

Gendai 現代 , or Current time, 1945-present

  • Showa-2  period 1945 – 1989
  • Heisei period 1989 – 2019
  • Reiwa period 2019 - present

 

Please note that there is no consensus on the dates mentioned here, especially not for the earliest periods. For example, while most literature has the Jomon era taking place from 10,000-300 BCE, some recent studies theorize that it took place from 16,000 BCE. to 900 BC. which of course also has consequences for the subsequent Yayoi period. The later periods are better documented and therefore less discutable.