26425 Living National Treasure, 13th Imaizumi Imaemon Polychrome Enamel Dish with Overlapping Flowers and Plants Design

Height: 7.3 cm
Diameter: 32.7 cm

A Monumental Work of the Fukikasane Technique
The "Iroe Fukikasane Kusabanamon Gakuzara (Dish with Overlapping Blown Glaze and Floral Design)" is known as the first piece by the 13th Imaemon Imaizumi to establish the unique "fukikasane" (overlapping blown glaze) technique.

Color Expression with Depth
The fukikasane technique creates a beautiful gradient that transitions from the blue of sometsuke (underglaze blue) to the gray of usuzumi (light ink) by layering light ink over blown sometsuke. This technique produces a distinctive ground color that gradually shifts from indigo to gray.

Fusion of Floral Motifs and Fukikasane
On this decorative dish, the main motifs are rendered with blown sometsuke, over which light ink is layered to depict floral designs. This can be said to have added modern and innovative colors to the traditional world of Nabeshima ware.

The 13th Imaemon Imaizumi and the Fukikasane Technique
The 13th Imaemon Imaizumi succeeded to the name in 1975 and dedicated his life to exploring new techniques.

Establishment of the Fukisumi and Usuzumi Techniques
The 13th Imaemon introduced techniques such as "fukisumi" (blown ink) and "usuzumi" (light ink) to Nabeshima ware, and further established the "fukikasane" technique by combining them. Although he reportedly struggled with color development initially, he perfected this technique in the late 1990s.

Recognition as a Living National Treasure
In 1989 (Heisei 1), he was certified as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property "Iroe Jiki" (Enamelled Porcelain), becoming a Living National Treasure. This certification is a testament to the high regard for his works and techniques as representative of Japan.