Arita is a village located on Kyushu Island in southern Japan, known for its porcelain. It was in this town, in the year 1616, that the Koreans first introduced the art of pottery to Japan. Up to today Arita still produces ceramics made by local craftsmen using the distinctive ingredient of clay made from crushed stone.

Inspired by the profound experience and skills of local Arita craftsmen, designer and creative director Teruhiro Yanagihara developed a complete new ceramics brand for Momota–Touen Corporation. Named after its origins, 1616 / arita japan products are produced in the same factories as the original Arita pottery but take a complete different design approach.

1616 / arita japan stands for contemporary products that can be used every day, though made with the extraordinary workmanship, thinness and strength of original Arita ware. Each piece is designed with versatility in mind, allowing people around the world to make them a part of their everyday life.

1616 / arita japan consists of four collections. World class designers from around the world participate in 1616 / arita japan and present their collections for each series. Teruhiro Yanagihara, Scholten & Baijings, Pierre Charpin and Cecilie Manz