Imaizumi Imaemon 今泉今右衛門 Nabeshima-yaki (Made in Year 1938)

A commemorative flower vase

Period of Imaizumi Imaemon XI  (今泉今右衛門11代) Japanese (1873-1948) 

About the work

Lord Nabeshima, feudal lord of Saga domain had a clan kiln and produced Nabeshima ware for tribute to the Tokugawa shogunate or for the usage within the Saga castle during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is highly appraised worldwide as a type of porcelain with multi-coloured overglazed paint that represents elaborate techniques, innovative design and elegance. These porcelains are currently known as Iro Nabeshima, decorated overglaze in red, yellow and green on underglaze blue.

Lord Nabeshima designated the Imaemon family who had the most sophisticated techniques for the polychromatic overglazing process in Akae-machi, as the sole Akae-ya (polychrome overglaze specialist) for producing porcelains for the feudal lord by hereditary. The blending components and techniques were protected and were only inherited to one of his children.

Dimensions

8.4 Ø x 22.5(H) cm

Footnote

Since the Meiji era, Imaemon family has engaged not only in applying the overglaze enamels but also in the whole production process from working with clay in 1871. Three generations of Imaemon X, XI and XII managed to revive Iro-Nabeshima and brought it back its former glory. Subsequently Imaemon kiln was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1971. Imaemon kiln complies with and maintains the whole process as it was carried out manually during the Edo period.