Imaemon Imaizumi XIV

Porcelain maker

©IMAEMON

Exquisite porcelain

Imaemon XIV was designated as a Living National Treasure in 2014
The Imaemon kiln is part of Japan's cultural heritage
Polychromatic glazes characterise Iro-Nabeshima

The exquisite craft of Iro-Nabeshima has been continued for over 370 years in Saga prefecture since the 17th century, when feudal Lord Nabeshima of the Saga domain produced Iro-Nabeshima ware as a gift to the Tokugawa shogunate, the hereditary military dictatorship of Japan. As the most sophisticated Akae-ya (polychrome overglaze specialist), the Imaemon family was appointed as the sole porcelain painters. Since 1871, the Imaemon kiln has consistently carried on the traditional Iro-Nabeshima ware technique, sought after world-wide. Imaizumi Imaemon XIV continues to evolve the craft by creating original Imaemon porcelain with bold modern aesthetics combined with delicate and intricate details.

Interview

©IMAEMON

©IMAEMON

What is the link between your craft and Arita?: Porcelain has been produced for about 400 years in Arita, and my aesthetic sensibility comes from being involved in the production of Iro-Nabeshima as an Akae-ya with a family history that dates back centuries.
What is your specialty?: The technique of sumi-hajiki, or white removal, is a technique that uses the glue content in Sumi Ink, which repels paint. The technique is further developed into Yuki-ka sumi-hajiki, by combining white clay slip with sumi-hajiki, and platinum overglaze painting.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: Tradition and innovation are synonymous. They are what we face with the change of times. There is always something of the essence that remains the same while innovating.
What message would you like to convey through your works?: I would like to convey the importance of the Japanese culture's appreciation of the four seasons and acceptance of nature, the idea of respecting human connections, and the warmth of the heart that is transmitted through the hands of people.

Imaemon Imaizumi XIV is a master artisan: he began his career in 1981 and he started teaching in 2002