Ceramic Wind Bells from Imari, Japan
Japan has a long history of producing fine porcelain. Imari porcelain in particular, has a reputation of being well designed and crafted. The clear sound that Imari bells produce has been recognized nationally by being selected as one of the 100 national sounds of Japan. Each porcelain bell is hand-painted in traditional Imari style by skilled crafts people.
A Brief History of Imari Porcelain
Imari porcelain is the name for Japanese porcelain products made in the town of Arita, in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyūshū. They were exported to Europe extensively from the port of Imari, Saga between the latter half of the 17th century and former half of 18th century, Japanese as well as the Europeans called them Imari. In Japanese, these porcelains are also known as Arita-yaki. Imari or Arita porcelain has been produced continuously until the present date.
