Koransha 香蘭社

Brand Concept - 

Koransha was founded during the Meiji era in Arita, Saga Prefecture, which is known as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. For over 140 years, the Koransha brand has preserved and developed the traditional techniques and aesthetics of porcelain craftsmanship. It offers collections of tableware and interior decoration that bring elegance and refinement to special occasions. 

History - 

Over 400 years have passed since porcelain was first produced in Arita, Saga Prefecture, marking the beginning of Japan’s porcelain history. About 330 years ago, the founder of the Fukagawa family, Eizaemon Fukagawa I, began porcelain production in Arita. More than 140 years ago, Eizaemon Fukagawa VIII brought together Arita’s artisans, kiln owners, and merchants to establish Koransha. The company played a pivotal role in the revival of Arita ware, earning numerous prestigious gold medals at international expositions in Europe, North America, and other regions. Today, “Koransha” brand products continue to embody the traditional techniques and refined beauty that have been cultivated over the 400-year history of Arita porcelain.

 

Design -

The designs are elegant and ornate, featuring graceful and vivid patterns. Each piece is adorned with beautifully crafted reliefs and delicate decorations, refined down to the finest details. The porcelain is characterized by its translucent white base and distinctive glazes, including the signature deep lapis blue and other unique color tones.

 

Craftsmanship - 

Each Koransha product is meticulously made by hand at the company’s own factory in Japan. The word “factory” may suggest automated mass production. Koransha maintains a strong commitment to traditional craftsmanship. Many of the production processes are still performed manually, with skilled artisans applying techniques passed down through generations. Their experience, precision, and intuition are essential to ensuring the quality and beauty of every piece.

 

Origin of the Company Name - 

On February 21, 1875, Kawahara Zenpachi, who studied at Taniguchi Randen's school in Arita, Hizen, wrote a letter to Tezuka Kamenosuke (a member who founded the joint organization Koransha with Fukagawa Eizaemon VIII) explaining the origin of the name Koransha.

It appears in the I Ching (Book of Changes).
The companionship of a good men is like the precious fragrance of orchids.
In the Western dictionary, it is called kaolin.
Koransha is known worldwide as a pottery company.
The company's name is written as a round orchid flower surrounded by white, which gives it a graceful and beautiful appearance.
(The original text is written on the frame in the image above.)

Summary:
The way of a good men is to go out and serve, and to retire to the fields. It can also be expressed in various ways, such as keeping silent or being eloquent. However, when good men unite in spirit, their power is sharp enough to cut through metal and steel, and their words emit a fragrance like that of an orchid.

In 1875, the five founders of the joint venture Koransha, led by the eighth generation Fukagawa Eizaemon, vowed to share their skills and wisdom with each other without reservation, and to be of one mind and bound together in a bond as strong as the fragrance of an orchid.

Additionally, because the word “kaolin,” the raw material used in porcelain, has a similar sound to “Koran” (fragrant orchid), the name “Koransha” was chosen with the hope that the company would grow into a porcelain manufacturer that would be recognized throughout the world.