Kakiemon (Style) Many beautiful Japanese ceramics and porcelain are crafted by unknown artists. Some whose work was especially outstanding have come through history with their names attributed to their works. The style initiated by Sakaida Kakiemon (1596 — 1666i) is a distinguished one. The palette and style were distinctively recognizable by the 1680s and it now is a sub-type of Imari ware, the overglaze-colored variety of the grouping Arita ware. His innovative technique solved the challenge of how to apply enamel decoration on porcelain, known as akae. The name “Kakiemon” was given to Sakaida by his lord for perfecting the color and design of persimmons (kaki), and for his distinctive palette of soft red, yellow, blue and turquoise green now associated with the Kakiemon style. Kakiemon style was originally produced at the factories around Arita. Today, Kakiemon is the name of a family, one or more kilns, and a subtletly-colored overglaze style. Cultivating and developing the style the 14th Sakaida Kakiemon (1934-2013) was designated as a “Living National Treasure”, recognizing his technique an Important Intangible Cultural Property and his kiln a “National Historic Site.”
