Okawachiyama porcelain district, in Imari, Saga-prefecture
Imari is most notable because of Imari porcelain which has 400 years history.
The city borders Arita to the south and embraces the natural port of Imari Bay.
The porcelain was exported from the port of Imari specifically for the European
export trade. Originally, an owner of the Imari porcelain was Nabeshima clan,
in order to develop and protect its outstanding technique, he gathered skilled
artisans and painters in Okawachiyama district. Now. about 30 potteries are
manufacturing Imari porcelain.