25724 13th generation Imaizumi Imaemon Colored light ink pearl tree design vase

Height 34.0cm
Diameter 22.2cm

Nabeshima is a type of colored porcelain that was developed in the Nabeshima Domain of Saga during the Edo period and is characterized by its sophisticated techniques and Japanese-style designs. It was produced as a gift for the Shogun family or for nobles and feudal lords, and the kilns were run by the domain, so quality was strictly controlled and it was not distributed to the general public. The Imaizumi Imaemon family worked at the Nabeshima Domain's kiln as official akae artists for generations, mixing colored paints, painting, and firing colored porcelain.

When the feudal domains were abolished in 1871 (Meiji 4) following the Meiji Restoration, the tenth Imaemon began working on the integrated production of overglaze porcelain, from making the base to firing, but it took three long generations - the tenth (1848-1927), the eleventh (1873-1948), and the twelfth (1897-1975) - to complete the finest Iro-Nabeshima products. This was a history of hardship, as the family inherited traditional techniques and worked hard to develop them during turbulent times such as the Meiji Restoration, the Great Depression, and World War II. In 1970 (Showa 45), the twelfth formed the Iro-Nabeshima Technique Preservation Society, and the following year the society was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property.

The 13th generation inherited the tradition of Iro Nabeshima, while seeking to incorporate the tradition into their own individuality as artists, and pursued a modern Iro Nabeshima. This resulted in the establishment of the techniques of "blown ink" and "thin ink". "Blown ink" was inspired by the early Imari blue and white porcelain technique, and is a technique in which blue-colored gosu is sprayed in different shades over the entire surface of the vessel, making the overglaze stand out against the white surface of the white porcelain, and creating an effective effect in expressing patterns. "Usuzumi" is an extension of "blown ink", in which a thin ink color is sprayed, and it was a bold idea that broke the concept of Iro Nabeshima, consisting of red, yellow, and green overglaze paints on the blue of the blue and white porcelain. Usuzumi, which is more effective in expressing patterns than blown ink, and has a dignified and soft feel, is highly regarded as a technique unique to the 13th generation. In 1989, the 13th generation was personally recognized as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property "Iroe Porcelain".