Iro-Nabeshima vase with Keshi (poppy flower) decoration by Imaizumi Imaemon XII

This Arita porcelain vase is a creation of the Imaemon workshop under the direction of the 12th generation, led by Imaizumi Imaemon XII (1897–1975), a major figure of 20th-century iro-Nabeshima and heir to a lineage of master ceramicists dating back to the Edo period. Recognized for his mastery of a porcelain tradition once reserved for the lords of the Saga domain, he contributed to its preservation and prominence in Japan. This Shōwa-era vase, adorned with orange-red poppy flowers, testifies to the finesse of the craftsmanship and the elegance of the Imaemon house’s porcelain.

The Ceramicist
Born in 1897 in Arita, Saga Prefecture, as Heibei Imaizumi, Imaizumi Imaemon XII (1897–1975) became the twelfth representative of this prestigious lineage in 1948. Heir to know-how developed since the 17th century, he played an essential role in the preservation and recognition of iro-Nabeshima, the technique of which was recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Property starting in the 1950s. In 1959, he received a commission to create a dinner service for the wedding of Crown Prince Akihito. His excellence in the art of polychrome porcelain earned him the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 1967, followed by the Order of the Rising Sun in 1972. Committed to passing on this heritage, he founded a museum in 1968 dedicated to antique Imaemon porcelain and Ko-Imari. In 1971, the group for the preservation of iro-Nabeshima techniques was recognized as a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. His work occupies a major place in the history of 20th-century Japanese porcelain.

Technique and Decoration
Iro-Nabeshima is one of the most prestigious traditions in Japanese porcelain. Developed in the 17th century in the kilns of the Nabeshima domain, in present-day Saga Prefecture, this production was intended for feudal lords and high-ranking diplomatic gifts, notably for the Tokugawa shogunate. Unlike Arita porcelain produced for trade, Nabeshima pieces met particularly high requirements for quality, consistency, and decorative refinement. Their aesthetic favored carefully balanced compositions inspired by nature, where white spaces played an integral role in the design.

The traditional technique combines sometsuke, a cobalt blue decoration painted under a transparent glaze before high-temperature firing, with iro-e, a polychrome decoration created with enamels applied over the glaze and fixed during a second, lower-temperature firing. This combination allows for a play on the depth of the blue and the brightness of the colors, while maintaining great precision in the outlines.

Created in the Imaemon workshop under the direction of the 12th generation, this vase is a continuation of the techniques and decorative standards passed down by this great porcelain house. The poppy flower (keshi) motif unfolds freely on the white surface of the porcelain. The orange-red flowers, blue-green leaves, and long blue stems compose a remarkably sharp design, whose movement follows the curves of the piece. The restraint of the palette and the space given to white express the characteristic aesthetic of iro-Nabeshima, perpetuated and renewed by the Imaemon house.

Place of manufacture
Japan (Arita, Saga Prefecture)

Presentation
The vase is presented in its tomobako (a wooden box made to accompany the work), bearing the artist’s seal and signature as well as the title of the work. The vase is also signed on its base. The tomobako shows some wear consistent with its age, but has perfectly fulfilled its role as protection.

Dimensions
Height 14 cm - Width 13 cm - Depth 13 cm

Weight
720 g

Materials
Porcelain

Period
Shōwa era (1926–1989)

Condition
Very good condition. The tomobako box shows some repairs, testifying to its role in protecting the vase over time.

Care instructions
After use, empty the water and let it air dry. Avoid thermal shock and abrasive products. Wipe with a soft cloth. Not suitable for dishwasher, oven, or microwave.