Realita = Real it Arita
Realita Ceramics Store is an online shop run by a wholesaler with over 90 years of experience handling ceramics from the Hizen region, primarily focusing on Arita ware. The Hizen region refers to a collection of ceramics, including Arita, Imari, Hasami, Mikawachi, and Yoshida ware, located across the border between Saga and Nagasaki Prefectures. This area has a long history of ceramics as its main industry, with each region having its own unique history and characteristics, supporting and growing together.
Among them, Arita ware is a historically significant area, marking its 400th anniversary as the birthplace of porcelain in 2016. Arita ware is often associated with the image of luxurious, non-functional ceramics. However, with deep respect for its history, traditions, and the artisans and techniques that sustain them, our online store aims to reconnect the timeless beauty of Arita ware (and Hizen ceramics) with the diverse lifestyles of today.
Vessels born through the skills of various craftsmen
Ceramics from Arita are mainly produced through a division of labor. There are specialists for each stage: those who prepare the clay, those who create the molds, those who shape the pieces, those who decorate with painting, and those who fire the pottery in the kiln. Many people are involved in bringing a single piece of pottery to life.
For example, artisans specializing in line drawing for decoration focus solely on perfecting their technique, and it can take decades to master. The ceramics created by this professional group, who strive for perfection in a single craft, are full of thoughtful details, even in something as simple as a plate, all designed with the user’s needs in mind.
4o mini
Because it is a device that people use
Arita and other ceramics from the Hizen region are made using raw materials sourced from natural minerals. These include high-quality clay mined from the Amakusa region in Kumamoto Prefecture, glazes made from domestic feldspar and ash, and paints with cobalt and metal oxides for vibrant colors. The ceramics are fired at a high temperature of 1300°C for over 12 hours and then slowly cooled.
The firing process is the most crucial step in pottery making. Any shortcuts taken during this stage can affect the final color and the strength of the piece. To provide ceramics that can be enjoyed for many years with peace of mind, Realita collaborates with trusted kilns for production, and we conduct thorough inspections in-house before delivering the products to our customers.
