Japanese Influence on Europe
The Japanese style of porcelain decoration had a greater influence on European taste and styles than even the Chinese. Later on Chinese decoration itself was influenced by the Japanese style. Most significant was the delicate work of the potter Kakiemon. His spare and stylized paintings on porcelains of a few blossoms or a flowering tree, with a bird or a legendary animal, were copied by the Germans, French, and English. These nations were captivated by the Japanese porcelains imported by the Dutch traders. Another heavier decoration was the Imari, or brocade, pattern made for export. In modern times much good but inexpensive porcelain for home use has been made in Japan.