One of the Keio Plaza Hotel’s summer traditions is the Arita Porcelain event. Many guests look forward to the soothing sound of wind chimes from Imari and Okawachiyama, which are displayed throughout the hotel, as well as the exquisite Arita porcelain pieces such as blue and white porcelain, colored porcelain, white porcelain, and celadon that are exhibited in the lobby. This event dates back to 1981, when the hotel celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The first event, “Dai-Arita Plaza Market,” was a cultural event that aimed to rediscover and incorporate Japanese ceramic culture into modern living. It featured not only a porcelain exhibition and sale, but also a cultural forum with experts on Arita porcelain, which garnered a great response. Since then, the event has been renamed to “Arita & Imari Summer Festival” and has been held annually, with the 39th event taking place in 2019.
One of the unique aspects of this event is the opportunity to get up close and personal with rare and valuable pieces such as antique Imari porcelain, works by Living National Treasures, and precious private collections that are usually only displayed in museums. The 2016 event, co-hosted with Saga Prefecture, was a major highlight as it celebrated the 400th anniversary of Arita porcelain. Additionally, the collaboration between the hotel’s diverse restaurants and the porcelain event to create unique dining experiences using Arita porcelain is a special treat for guests. The friendships formed with renowned Arita porcelain artists, including Living National Treasure Manji Inoue, and local kiln owners, are invaluable to the hotel.
Through the collaborative efforts of the hotel’s creative planning and the craftsmanship of Arita and Imari porcelain makers, the event has continued to grow and evolve. As the hotel celebrates its 50th anniversary, we hope to continue sharing and promoting traditional Japanese culture through this event and beyond.
①② Shibata Collection Exhibition: The Shibata couple's collection of precious old Imari porcelain pieces from the Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Culture Museum captivated many visitors.
③ A special exhibition organized by Saga Prefecture to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Arita ware in 2015. It featured valuable works from the Meiji period, including the "Large Vase with Colorful Flower and Bird Design" (2190mm tall).
④ The beautiful table settings and the exhibition and sale of works by talented potters are also popular.