The Kakiemon Craze: Europe’s Infatuation with Japanese Porcelain

Part of the Gardiner Signature Lecture Series
The Macdonald Collection Lecture

Please note: Online sales are now closed. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door (General: $15; Gardiner Friends: $10)

Kakiemon porcelain caused a sensation when it first arrived in Europe in the late 17th century. Its brilliant palette and the striking simplicity of design brought a sparkle of something fresh and exotic into the often sombre and formal baroque interiors of the time. When imports dwindled its rarity engendered competition among princes and collectors and, for a while, it became the most sought after of all porcelains.

This talk will explore how Kakiemon was received in Europe, the market for it, the patterns of collecting, and the many varied attempts to copy and even fake it.

About the Speaker

Errol Manners, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries

Errol Manners is a dealer in European ceramics based in London and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. He was chairman of The French Porcelain Society from 2007 to 2015 and serves on numerous Vetting Committees of international fairs such as Tefaf Maastricht, Masterpiece London and The Bienale des Antiquaires, Paris.
He is Programme Adviser on the Conservation of Ceramics course of the Edward James Foundation at West Dean College and committee member of the British Antique Dealers Association Cultural and Educational Trust.

Presented by Bill & Molly Anne Macdonald

Co-Presenter

Official International Airline Partner

Image: Decagonal Dish with Kakiemon Tiger, Prunus and Bamboo (detail), Arita, Japan, 1680-1700, The Macdonald Collection, G10.3.23