1306-4 Japan
Porcelain Butterfly
Designed by Patty Cox

After the Japanese invasions of Korea in 1592 and 1598, a number of skilled Korean potters who had learned from the Chinese how to produce fine porcelain, were brought back to Japan. Some of these settled in Arita in northern Kyushu, where they discovered porcelain clay. One of the Korean porcelain makers was Ri Sampei. He is considered as the father of Japanese porcelain. The area became Japan's major center of porcelain production and its products were exported from the port of Imari. Arita porcelains were typically made with deep-blue patterns on a white background, called sometsuke meaning blue-and-white. In the 1640s, a new style called aka-e was invented, characterized by bright colors and bold patterns principally in red. These two styles dominate Japanese "Arita/Imari" wares.

Age Range: 7 to 12

Grade Range: 1 to 6

Skill Level: Moderate

Appropriate for These Special Events:
Every Day and Rainy Days

Supports Subject Area(s) of:
Social Studies
Language Arts – e.g. step by step instructions
Visual Arts
Math – e.g. measuring

Time Needed for Project:
1 hour plus drying time

Main supplies:

• 3 Tablespoons Elmer’s® Glue-All™ 
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon baby oil
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• Elmer’s® Painters® Opaque Paint Markers
  Clear acetate surface (or use an old cd case cover)

Basic Supplies:

• Measuring spoons
• Craft stick
• Disposable cup or bowl
• Optional: fingernail file

Cover work surface with wax paper or plastic.