Homo Faber

PRESS EN Languages Account Follow us Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter
|
Presented by logo Homo Faber by Michelangelo Foundation
Explore Artisans Museums & Galleries Experience Itineraries About
©IMAEMON
©IMAEMON
©IMAEMON
©IMAEMON
©IMAEMON

Imaemon Imaizumi XIV

  • Porcelain maker
  • Saga, Japan
  • Master Artisan
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.

Read the full interview

Works

  • ©IMAEMON
  • ©IMAEMON
  • ©IMAEMON
  • ©IMAEMON
  • ©IMAEMON
Photo: ©IMAEMON
Four seasons floral pattern vase

The flowers and grasses of the four seasons are depicted in subtle shades of sumi ink, red paint, and platinum colouring to create a tranquil atmosphere. This is the latest work that incorporates detailed new techniques in the shading of sumi ink.

Height 21.5 cm
Diameter 24.3 cm

Photo: ©IMAEMON
Fruit and floral pattern vase

Grapes, pomegranates, peaches, cherries, strawberries, and tangerines were created by incorporating sumi-iro (repelling ink method). The snow-flower forms were made with the sumi-hajiki technique, then green and platinum colours were used for the overglaze. The result is a serene and elegant pattern.

Height 28.3 cm
Diameter 32.5 cm

Photo: ©IMAEMON
Fruit and floral pattern ginger jar

This beautiful ginger jar is patterned with grapes, pomegranates, and peaches overlapping each other on the front. Hibiscuses are painted on the back to create a profoundly calm atmosphere. The jar is made using the sumi-hajiki technique, thin black ink, then green and platinum overglaze.

Height 59.4 cm
Diameter 34.3 cm

Photo: ©IMAEMON
Tea ceremony water jar

This water jar, decorated with turnips, a symbol of fertility, is used for celebratory occasions. The turnip on the front is painted with red lines followed by platinum colouring to resemble a white turnip, and a red turnip is painted on the back.

Height 19.7 cm
Diameter 22 cm

Photo: ©IMAEMON
Lily plate

The bewitching world of lily flowers and their leaves are expressed through lines. IImaemon Imaizumi XIV made the flower and leaf patterns with shades of light and dark sumi ink, sumi-hajiki, then a green and platinum overglaze.

Height 6.4 cm
Diameter 38 cm

You may also like

Download the app

Find all the Homo Faber Guide content at hand, save, like and much more!