Ginsai, written as 銀彩 in Japanese meaning "silver color", is the tecnique to put silver leaf on the ceramics then glaze on top of it before firing. This is one of the most popular tecniques in recent Kutani ware. This style was developed while potters seeked for simple yet colorful design that would fit in the western life style shifting from traditional Japanese style. Craftmen spray the paint to coat the underlying silver leaf and this tecnique allows consistent and beautiful color gradiation to be on the ceramics that was difficult using a traditional brush. This simple yet elegant art has become popular and one of the best selling items in any age groups. The glass with metal stem and porcelain cup was designed more than 10 years ago, but the excellent reputation has not been changed since then. This is great piece among recent Kutani ware style.
As you see in the pictures, Ginsai's calm and elegant shine is coated by glaze and common Kannyu (small crazes in Japanese ceramics) and turn into gentle shine. Rich colored glazing makes the color gradiation looking like glass or crystal rather than ceramics. The balance of metal stem and porcelain cup is based on fine calculation. The perfect balance not only makes the appearance great, but also is strong.
The most imporant part of Kutani ware production is of course potters who makes base ceramics or paint on them. In Kutani ware production the painters have siginificant roles to play. They put pattern on the base ceramics and mark rough points then makes the same paints with the same quality on many products. It has been very challenging for those many potteries to find and train young successors for next generations. Those potters may not be seen too often but we are proud of their dedication to achieve the perfect masterpiece and strive for new designs. It is our mission to introduce their dignity and tecnique and move the world.
Made in Japan.