From Tradition to Transition: The Modern Industrialization of Meiji–Kutaniyaki, ca. 1650–1915

This dissertation examines the historical development of kutaniyaki 九谷焼 [Kutani ware], a renowned tradition originating in Ishikawa-ken 石川県 [Ishikawa Prefecture], Japan, with particular emphasis on the Meiji period (1868-1912). Kutaniyaki encompasses a broader range of ceramic styles, rooted not only in the aesthetics but also deeply in its locality and historical context, despite its reputation as polychrome wares. Tracing its origins to the early Edo period, this study examines how kutaniyaki transitioned through various phases —from its original form to the revival phase, and finally to the internationally recognized meiji-kutaniyaki, also widely known as jyapan kutani ジャパン・クタニ in Japan. The Meiji era is especially seen as a critical turning point in the adaptation of kutaniyaki to Japan's modernization, as Japan opened to Western markets amid shifting political, economic, and cultural paradigms. Instead of viewing tradition as static repetition, this research argues that the survival and continued relevance of kutaniyaki were achieved through deliberate adaptation and innovation. Drawing on Eric Hobsbawm's theory of "invented traditions," this paper reframes kutaniyaki's lineage as a strategic construction involving local initiatives, government policy, industrial education, and export-driven designs. The research is structured into five chapters—the first two covering the Edo Period kutaniyaki, and the remaining chapters investigating the Meiji period. The latter three chapters' analysis is respectively centered around industrialization, modernization of the educational system, and commercialization of kutaniyaki sales that underpinned kutaniyaki's transformation. The absence of daimyo patronage, geographical remoteness from central cities, and lack of a robust pedigree to consolidate a uniform style and technique all pressured the continuation of the kutaniyaki tradition. Emphasis is placed on how the industry overcame these unique challenges of the Meiji period through flexible adaptation. This multifaceted analysis draws on archaeological findings, historical documents, and visual culture studies to illuminate the complex forces shaping kutaniyaki's modern identity. Ultimately, this dissertation offers a nuanced perspective on how regional craft traditions can be both preserved and reinvented. It contributes to broader discourses on Japanese craft history, the politics of cultural identity, and the role of local agency in shaping national heritage. meiji-kutaniyaki, as explored here, stands not merely as a relic of the past but as a case study in the resilience and redefinition of tradition in the face of globalization and modernization.