The author examines the history of Japanese export porcelain in the Meiji era in the context of political, economic and cultural developments and with special emphasis on stylistic influence from the West. The more than 150 illustrations reproduce major items made in all the main centres of ceramics production. The domestic market and national exhibitions, leading craftsmen, manufacturers and trading companies, inscriptions and marks are the subject of appendices. A detailed chronology, a glossary and a bibliography complete this first-ever comprehensive account of Japanese export ceramics in the Meiji era.