w w w. i m a e m o n . c o . j p /e n g l i s h /[ Kiln and Showroom]
2-1-15 Akaemachi, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun,
Saga 844-0006, JAPANTEL +81-(0) 955-42-3101[Shop in Tokyo]
2-6-5 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku,
Tok yo 107-0062, JAPANTEL +81-(0) 3-3401-3441

IMAEMONTr aditional porcelain
living in the present

Imaemon porcelain has been acknowledged
as the highest quality Japanese porcelain forover 370 years. The porcelain is the result ofexquisite craftsmanship proudly preserved andimproved upon over multiple generations. The
beauty of Imaemon porcelain lives in its ability
to evolve over time and reflect the style of eachperiod. Thus, it has a unique style that is “livingin the present” yet rooted on its long history.

Symbol of Japanese
aesthetics

Imaemon XIV uses the traditional technique of“Sumi-hajiki” in a new way. In Sumi-hajiki(repelling ink technique), a pattern is first drawn
with sumi (black ink); enamel is then applied on
top of the pattern before firing. Due to sumi’s
ability to repel pigment and disappear afterfiring, a reverse pattern emerges in white. Thetechnique was traditionally used as a background for primary motifs on Nabeshima ware.
But Imaemon XIV has taken this technique andutilized it as a main part of his designs.
The white color produced through this laborintensive process gives an impression of additional quietness and softness. Extra time, careand effort is given to every aspect of production, including those aspects one cannot see.
The traditional Japanese aesthetic expresses
the beauty of shadows and shapes instead ofbeing pragmatic, and emphasizes even theinvisible. Imaemon porcelain’s supreme dignity
reflects the spirit of this aesthetic, and theskills required to produce it.

Originally a gift
for the Tokugawa
Shogunate“Iro-Nabeshima”, a style of porcelain with overgla ze polychrome enamels produced by theImaemon kiln, originated in the late 17th century.
The feudal lord of Saga domain gathered highly
skilled potters to produce the highest quality
porcelain as diplomatic gifts for the Shogun aswell as for household use within Saga castle. In
those days, the Imaemon family was responsible
for the process of Akae-tsuke (decorating overglaze polychrome enamels in red, yellow andgreen). In 1871, feudal domains were abolishedand prefectures were established. With this reformof the political system, the Imaemon family
expanded from merely applying the overglaze
enamels to carr ying out the whole porcelain
production processes.
Primary motifs of Iro-Nabeshima include Kissho
Monyo (patterns of auspicious omens that are
based on historical events and that symbolize long
life, wealth and prosperity of the family). Thesebold compositions of traditional patterns areuniversally recognizable within Japanese culture
while at the same time utilize a contemporary style.

Combining theskills of different
craftsmen
Imaemon kiln, the production facility including agroup of craftsmen headed by Imaemon XIV (LivingNational Treasure), has been designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. The
production process begins with kneading clay,
which is then formed into a shape with a pottery
wheel, followed by firing three times during theprocess of underglaze enameling, glazing, andovergla ze enameling. This multi-faceted andentirely handmade process must be carried out byskilled craftsmen, each of whom specializes in theirown segment of production. These technicians arelike individual orchestra members playing theirown instrument to create a sublime harmony. Thus,Imaemon porcelain is shaped by the skills and prideof the Imaemon craftsmen who expertly manipulate the unpredictable forces of clay and fire.

late1600searly1700s

1934

Traditional techniques
and pride passed down
to the presentc.1616 Porcelain stone is found in Arita, Saga Prefecture,and the first porcelain ware is made in Japan.

1958

c.1644 The technique of overglaze polychrome enamelson porcelain is transferred from China to Arita.
Imaemon I begins decorating porcelain with overgraze polychrome enamels.
1672 Imaemon family becomes a patronized enameller
for the Saga domain decorating Nabeshima warewith overglaze polychrome enamels.
1873 Due to a loss of patronage from Saga domain,
Imaemon X starts his own kiln to produce an entire
porcelain in addition to polychrome enameling.
1934 Appointed as a purveyor to the Imperial Household Ministry (the royal warrant).
1958 Imaemon XII is commissioned to produce a decorative dish for a room where the Emperor meets
people in the Imperial Household Agency.

Izumiyama quarry:
The first porcelain stone material
is found in Japan.

1989

2014

1989 Imaemon XIII is designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure)of Porcelain with overglaze polychrome enamels.
2014 Imaemon XIV is designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure)of Porcelain with overglaze polychrome enamels.
Main firing kiln:
The porcelain is fired for 36 hours
in a kiln fueled by red pine woods.