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.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
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.
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.
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.
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.
