On the 400th anniversary of its first appearance, Japan’s southwestern Saga prefecture set out to reignite the world’s attention to a medium that once set the world aflame. Associated in a previous era with daintiness and quaint figurines, they declared that the heart of Japanese porcelain Arita is pulsing with excitement and invention now more than ever, and the fruit of their effort is coming to NY NOW [ https://www.nynow.com ], taking place at the Javits Convention Center in New York City from August 12th to 15th.
∞Arita [ http://aritamade.com ], which will be exhibiting at booth #3430, is a group of eight historically significant houses from Arita, the town where Japanese porcelain originated and flourished. Formerly specializing in tableware, each has created unique quality gifts for home and lifestyle to engage with the dominant U.S. luxury market. From handpainted dinnerware to elaborate home décor, they will present a range of up to 200 items, nearly 50 of which are brand new to the market, in a variety of price categories, all designed and crafted expressly for this event. A happy hour will be held on Monday August 13th, from 4-5pm, where visitors are able to enjoy complimentary drinks and a free giveaway while take in the extensive product lineup introduced by the creators themselves. Along with happy hour, a photo contest via Instagram will take place during the show, which will give visitors an opportunity to win a special prize.
Japanese porcelain was born in Arita in 1616, and is considered the most famous and popular porcelain of Japan to this day. Tradition has been passed down for centuries, but the latest generation has something to prove. Born into a smaller, more connected world than its forebears could ever conceive of, Arita’s new artisans need to express their awareness of its current consciousness, not just preserve the dust of its ancient past. These craftspeople don’t strive to put teacups in the cupboards of foreign gentry, but seek to announce their participation in a new century and reveal the potential of their art to fill a gap in our collective creative aspirations.
∞Arita ‘s journey began in 2016, with a visit to New York and invitations to appear in some of its finest venues, including Michele Varian, and under the eyes of its most celebrated chefs, such as David Bouley and on the tables at Blue Ribbon. Armed with that experience and energy, the group of eight houses established new brands for the U.S. market specifically, all of them only available at NY NOW. The dazzling panoply of new items will be presented for the second consecutive time on North American shores.
Supported by the Saga Prefectural Government, this exhibition was made possible through the efforts of the MADE IN JAPAN PROJECT INC. [ https://www.mijp.co.jp ], a consortium of nonprofit and commercial enterprises devoted to spotlighting indigenous Japanese artisanal masterworks for a global audience. The website, branding, and exhibition were produced in New York City by the KUDOS Design Collaboratory [ http://kudos.nyc ]. For more information, press materials and images, please contact: mijpnyc@madeinjapan.jp
The Brands
Arita Porcelain Lab [aritaporcelainlab.com]
Bishamon by Kikoujin [hizen-porcelain.com]
Hachi by Daikei [hachi-arita.com]
IDA by Luxurious [ida-jewelry.com]
Koransha [www.koransha.co.jp]
Lin japan by Kinshodo [lin-japan.jp]
Momoco by Shobido-Honten [momocoarita.com]
Wa ● Sa ● Bi by Imari Togei [wa-sa-bi-arita.com]
www.aritamade.com
Instagram: arita.made
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arita