Imari Porcelain
About 1854, with prodding from an American naval squadron, the nation of Japan, which had been closed to outsiders since 1637, began trading with the United States and Europe. Suddenly, exotic textiles, lacquerware, metalwork, ceramics and a host of unusual objects became available in general commerce. The appearance of the Japanese wares in the European industrial exhibitions of the early 1870′s caused a sensation. The success in Europe encouraged the Japanese government [...] Click here to continue reading.