Demand For Traditional Japanese Porcelain To Expand In Malaysia

By Christine Lim

ARITA (Japan), Aug 24 (Bernama)  — The demand for traditional Japanese porcelain with aesthetic designs will continue to expand in Malaysia and other overseas markets, said Shobido-Honten, a porcelain trading company based in the town of Arita in the Saga prefecture.

The company’s director, Asa Kamochi, stated that the demand for exquisite products featuring traditional Japanese designs remains strong.

“Arita Porcelain, which is known as the first porcelain made in Japan, with a history of over 400 years since the Edo period, is popular among Malaysians and we are exporting now to Malaysia the cats and bear porcelain figurines,” she told Bernama in an interview during a visit to  Shobido-Honten’s porcelain shop in Arita, organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) Saga prefecture and Jetro Kuala Lumpur.

Shobido-Honten’s products are available in its two physical stores in Arita and online.

In the overseas markets, she said, Shobido-Honten is also exporting to China and Taiwan, which are the two large markets. It also exports to Europe and the United States.

The Koimari style porcelain designs, painted in underglaze blue and adorned with gold and red-coloured painted motifs, Kamochi noted, are the favourite among inbound tourists from overseas.

She pointed out that while there is demand for designs that align with contemporary global standards – and some Arita ware brands have successfully adopted such styles both in Japan and abroad – traditional designs, such as those in the Koimari style, also continue to attract interest from inbound tourists.

Arita porcelain designs, Kamochi added, have their origin in Korea and China in the early Edo period of the 17th century, which were developed into Arita-based patterns by local artisans.

“Arita porcelain with its high level of craftsmanship and lavish designs was a gift to the shogun (high-ranking samurai) and also to members of the Japanese royalty,” she said.

Thus, Arita developed into one of the world’s leading porcelain producers.

Shobido-Honten, Kamochi said, collaborated with local porcelain producers based in Arita, including highly skilled artisans, for the supply of porcelain products. “Due to the declining population of porcelain makers, it takes a longer time to keep up with demand,” she noted.

The prices of Shobido-Honten’s porcelain products range from 2,640 yen (100 yen = RM2.88)  for a unit of the Nabeshima style with prestigious and stylish designs, to 6,600 yen for a unit of the Koimari with lavish gold and red decorations. In addition to these, it offers a wide and diverse lineup of porcelain products.

— BERNAMA

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