Renowned Ceramist Imaizumi Imaemon Draws Influence from Winter Precipitation: Discover the Creative Process Behind His Inspiring Works
Artist Imaizumi Imaemon XIV Continues the Legacy of Arita-ware Porcelain
Imaizumi Imaemon XIV, a Living National Treasure, is a highly respected Japanese ceramic artist known for his work in the traditional Arita-ware porcelain. The Imaemon Kiln, which he leads, has a history spanning over 370 years and is Arita's oldest kiln, designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Imaemon's work, such as the "Bowl with Snowflake Pattern" and the "Snow-Flower Bowl with Bush Clover Pattern", showcases his ability to blend traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. The "Bowl with Snowflake Pattern", exhibited at the fifty-first Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition in 2004, was inspired by a memorable winter scene during his university days. The snowflake design on porcelain was created using an India ink resistance technique and iroe polychrome enamel painting.
Imaemon's innovative approach is also evident in his development of the "sekka-sumihajiki" technique, an original method that creates a delicate balance between resistance lines and airbrushed enamel. This technique can be seen in the "Snow-Flower Bowl with Bush Clover Pattern" (2019), which brings a sense of the quiet of the autumn sky.
Imaemon, who was born the second son to a ceramicist father, never thought he would carry on the family legacy. However, he has continued to produce original work at the Imaemon Kiln, layering traditional techniques with his own artist's sensibility. In 2011, he created the "Snow-Flower Vase with Four-Season Flower Patterns" using the "sekka-sumihajiki" technique.
The Imaemon Kiln carries on a tradition of iro nabeshima, a style of colored images painted onto fine porcelain. Iro nabeshima starts with underglaze painting directly on the clay, with another design painted over the glaze. This technique is used in many of Imaemon's works, reflecting a living tradition and the innovation of the day.
Imaemon believes that simply living in a certain time naturally reflects in the work created during that time. He attributes the continuation of the inherent character of the tradition at the Imaemon Kiln to the presence of many artisans working together and sharing subtle techniques and the spirit of craft.
In recent years, Imaemon has noticed a shift in the pottery, possibly due to a shift from fluorescent and incandescent lighting to LED. He says that he is sensing a new transparency in the pottery. Despite these changes, Imaemon continues to create beautiful and innovative works, reflecting a living tradition and the innovation of the day.
[1] "Imaizumi Imaemon XIV," Japan National Tourism Organization, https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1456/ [4] "Iro Nabeshima," Japan National Tourism Organization, https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1457/
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