Abe Suikai 1842-1910

Abe Suikai is born in Kanazawa in 1842 in a family of Samourai . At the beginning of Meiji the export of Kutani was increasing quite well and Abe Suikai took this oportunity to improve the financial situation of his family which was not so bright as many other samourai which were out of job du to Meiji restoration.

He decided in 1869 to start a pottery business in Kojimachi together with Uchiumi Yoshizo who became his Manager. He installed 5 nishi kilns and started by making akae style pottery. As he was quite successful, he developped his own technic similar to Chosa style with multicolor paint and gold.

Abe-gama developped well and succeeded in enlarging the sales in and out of Kanazawa especially export. It produced coffe set, vase etc.. and adapted its style to the test of Europeen customers. He established the basis of Kanazawa Kutani

At the peak time Abe-gama employed up to 80 painters. However around 1900 the kiln closed down and it was taken over by Uchimi Yochizo.

Copyright ©1996~2006 - G. Bouvier - All Rights Reserved.
No part from this site may be reproduced on any form without written authorization from the owner