Imaizumi Imaemon XIII (1926-2001), Living National Treasure
A Nabeshima porcelain plate decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze red, green and yellow enamels with camelias (tsubuki). The reverse of the plate with maple leaves and cherry blossoms. With original inscribed tomobako (storage box).
Assiette en porcelaine Nabeshima, portant un décor de camélias (tsubuki) réalisé au moyen d’émaux bleu cobalt (sous glaçure), rouge, vert et jaune (sur glaçure). Le revers de l’assiette décorée de feuilles d’érable et de fleurs de cerisier. Tomobako inscrit original.
Signed Imaemon in underglaze blue enamel
Showa / Heisei era, second half of the 20th century
Diameter 22 cm
Price : 875 euros
Iro-Nabeshima (porcelain with multi-coloured overglazed enamel) by Imaemon is created based on techniques dating back to the Edo period (mid-17th century). These techniques have been preserved for about 370 years. Characterized by a distinctive gracefulness, the Imaemon colored porcelain is greatly appreciated till this day. The superb techniques preserved at Imaemon Kiln have been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan in 1971. Since then, two styles of porcelain were pursued: the modern Imaemon style perpetually reinvented by the successive kiln masters, the second, works that preserve the traditional Iro-Nabeshima style of the Edo period. Imaemon XIII is credited with having added artistic dimensions to Iro-Nabeshima. He modernized Iro-Nabeshima by establishing new glazing techniques and was designated Living National Treasure in 1989.