Satoru Matsumoto on Seven Generations of Craft at Arita Porcelain Lab
Satoru Matsumoto, CEO and seventh-generation head of the Yazaemon kiln in Arita, Japan, discusses the philosophy behind Arita Porcelain Lab, a luxury brand he founded. The kiln, established in 1804, remains capable of firing monumental works. Matsumoto emphasizes that craft is practiced daily, not preserved as history. All production is in-house, from forming to overglaze painting to firing, ensuring quality and continuity. The brand balances the ornate Kinrande Ko-Imari tradition with contemporary sensibility. Matsumoto defines luxury as 'time made visible' and sees his mission as carrying forward 400 years of Arita ware tradition through continuous renewal.
Key facts
- Arita Porcelain Lab is based in Arita, Japan, where porcelain originated over 400 years ago.
- The Yazaemon kiln was founded in 1804 and is now run by the seventh generation.
- Satoru Matsumoto is CEO and seventh-generation head of the Yazaemon kiln.
- Every piece is produced entirely in-house, including forming, overglaze painting, and firing.
- The kiln is rooted in the Kinrande Ko-Imari style.
- Matsumoto defines luxury as 'time made visible'.
- The brand aims to create a modern vision of Japanese luxury rooted in time, restraint, and continuity.
- Matsumoto's mission is to carry the 400-year tradition of Arita ware into the future through renewal.
Entities
Artists
- Satoru Matsumoto
Institutions
- Arita Porcelain Lab
- Yazaemon kiln
- Whitewall
Locations
- Arita
- Japan