Vase-Jar / Porcelain / Imari / Imaizumi ImaemonXIII
Iro-Nabeshima Vase by Imaizumi ImaemonXIII
Imaizumi Imaemon XIII (1926-2001) was designated a Living National Treasure in 1989 for his skill with decorative porcelain wares. In particular, his family keeps alive the tradition of a style of porcelain known as Iro-Nabeshima, a branch of Arita/Imari wares known for its graceful "feudal kiln style," as the feudal Nabeshima clan embraced the Imaemon family as a direct patron for the Imaemon-gama (kiln). Imaemon XIII, the Imaemon who made this particular piece, will stand out in his family's history as the man who reinvigorated the Imaemon-style with flair, grace, and originality. Not content with simply painting elaborate overglaze enameled designs over a piece, Imaemon XIII invented the technique of sometsuke fuki-boku and usu-boku, 'blown-on' techniques that leave gray and blue tinges and pigments upon the porcelain body. Thus, he invented an entirely new color scheme for Nabeshima wares, and immediately his work stood out as the "new wave" of Arita, a kiln site not often associated with standout innovation. Because of Imaemon XIII's efforts, his kiln (the Imaemon-gama) was designated an "important intangible property" in 1975, and Imaemon himself was designated a Living National Treasure in 1989. The number of awards he has won and the worldwide museums with his work are too many to list here. This particular piece is in his original "usu-boku" (literally light ink) style which gives the entire piece a gray pigment, with an underglaze motif of flowers (the blue tone) masterfully painted with overglaze red enamel, throughout the center of the piece. The form is not often seen by Imaemon as well, and the shape gives this piece a wonderful accent. It is 25.cm tall x 22cm wide, comes with a signed box and is in perfect condition; another fine museum quality work. (Note: this work has an etched signature on the base, this means it was actually made by Imaemon; works with a cobalt blue signature are kiln pieces)