The Successor of Kakiemon

Kakiemon is a type of 17th-century Japanese porcelain, known for the extremely sophisticated painting and the almost translucent quality of the ceramics. In Japan, the art of painting is regarded so highly that master porcelain maker Sakaida Kakiemon XIV, descendant of the eponymous original inventor, has been honored with the title "Living National Treasure." The craft has been passed on from father to son for 14 generations. In the film, connoisseurs and collectors reflect on the specialist techniques and the images on the vases and plates, while family members talk about what it's like to be part of a trade that has been in existence for 400 years, with little room for experiment. For instance, the wife of “The Fourteenth,” as the present porcelain maker is called, says that the craftsmen at the workshop have been more involved with her son's upbringing than she has. Beautiful images shed light on this traditional side of Japan, with a glimpse behind the scenes at the classical workshop and a visit to the mile-long ceramics market in the village of Arita. Even though the demand for traditional ceramics isn't exactly on the rise in Japan, the Kakiemons keep believing in their fragile life's work, which has already survived many wars and earthquakes. The current generation ploughs on tirelessly, and the youngest scion of the porcelain dynasty is already becoming acquainted with the trade as a toddler.