Porcelain artwork to be celebrated at Tokyo’s Keio Plaza Hotel

Traditional Japanese artwork will be celebrated at the annual Summer Festival of Arita/Imari Porcelains, on in Tokyo from July 1 to August 7.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Holds The 36th “Summer Festival of Arita/Imari Porcelains,” Celebrating 400th Anniversary of Japanese Traditional Art.
© Business Wire
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Arita/Imari Porcelain

Made in the town of Arita (northwestern Kyūshū) since the 17th century, the pottery was exported principally from the port of Imari, Saga, hence the two names. Early Arita ware can be recognized for its blue and white color scheme, with a pattern drawn on a white background. But, later in the movement, the original Arita style was replaced by Kakiemon, a brighter and more colorful version.

The Summer Festival of Arita/Imari Porcelains

For its 36th year the exhibition will once again be held in the lobby of the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, entitled “Modern Art, Reflections of the Future.” A giant “Porcelain Tree” sculpture measuring 9.5 meters long and 3 meters wide will be installed in the main lobby, alongside work by three renowned Arita artists, two of whom have been given the title of National Living Treasure: Inoue Manji, Imaizumi Imaemon and Sakaida Kakiemon (from who stemmed the style variant). Inoue Manji works with his son Yasunori on the art of white pottery, while Imaizumi Imaemon is known for his work with indigo, charcoal, sozo, and snow flower patterns, fired in 17th-century kilns.

Dine at the Keio Plaza Hotel

The hotel, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo’s center, is considered one of the capital’s most luxurious. As part of the festival, ten of the restaurants at the Keio Plaza Hotel are offering guests a selection of special menus, served in Arita/Imari-style pottery, which will also be available for sale. Menus include a Japanese Lunch Set (4,200 yen), a Tempura Course (18,000 yen) and even a French & Italian Lunch (4,500 yen). For more information, see the website at www.keioplaza.com.