Inheriting the authentic tradition of the Akae-ya (overglaze enamel decorators) of the Nabeshima clan kiln from the Edo period, this is a pair set of "Iro-Nabeshima E-kawari Brocade Pattern Yunomi" created by Imaemon Imaizumi XIII (1926–2001), who was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property holder ("Living National Treasure") for "Iro-Nabeshima" by the Japanese government in 1989. Perfectly harmonizing the elevated aesthetic sense of traditional Iro-Nabeshima with a contemporary sense of form, our shop presents this work to the global market not only for daily tea service, but also as luxury Japanese rocks glasses (pair sake vessels) for quietly savoring the rich flavor and aroma of amber aged sake, matured whisky, or authentic shochu over large ice cubes while admiring the vivid enameling reflected upon the translucent white porcelain body.
Solid proof that this is an authentic work by Imaemon Imaizumi XIII is clearly evident in the mark on the bottom of the foot ring and the handwriting and seal stamp on the accompanying Tomobako. Inside the foot ring on the base of each vessel, an underglaze cobalt blue (gosu) mark is hand-inscribed in flowing hiragana as "Imaizumi" (いまいずみ), which represents the established, traditional marking style of Imaemon works. Furthermore, the elegant calligraphic signature "Imaemon" written in ink on the back of the lid of the dedicated paulownia Tomobako, along with the brushwork and impression of the square red seal stamp, perfectly match the style of Tomobako handwritten by the XIII master himself following his succession in 1973, professionally verifying that it is an authentic work by the hand of Imaemon Imaizumi XIII.
Observing the details of this piece reveals the masterful expression of the advanced techniques and refined aesthetic design of Iro-Nabeshima that earned Imaemon Imaizumi XIII high international acclaim. Over the refined, translucent white porcelain body, delicate underglaze cobalt blue (sometsuke) drawing is applied, upon which vivid brocade-like designs in red, green, and yellow overglaze enamels are expressed after main firing. The two cups feature different decorative motifs (e-kawari); one cup depicts elegant chrysanthemums with deep blue-green leaves, while the other vividly portrays fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits such as eggplant, melon, and red pepper with rich vitality. In the blue underglaze sections and leaf expressions, extremely delicate gradations and tonal nuances reminiscent of the Fukizumi (blown ink) and Usuzumi (light ink) techniques introduced and established in contemporary Iro-Nabeshima by the XIII master are imparted, bringing profound three-dimensional depth and artistic dignity to the overglaze enamels, which can otherwise tend toward flat uniformity.
Regarding the period of production, taking his peak era after inheriting the master name in 1973 (Showa 48)—when his artistic style, the feel of the Tomobako, and the mastery of enameling reached their brilliant maturity—as a basis, it is identified as an authentic work created between circa 1975 and 1990 (mid-1970s to late 1980s, late Showa period). The vessel bodies themselves have no cracks, chips, hairline fractures (nyū), or other damage, maintaining excellent condition in both the smooth texture of the porcelain body and the coloration of the overglaze enamels. It arrives as a complete work accompanied by its dedicated paulownia Tomobako certifying the artist's intent, inscribed on the lid with "Nishiki E-kawari Yunomi" and on the back with "Imaemon" in ink, stamped with his seal.
- Artist: Imaemon Imaizumi XIII (1926–2001, Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for "Iro-Nabeshima" / Living National Treasure)
- Artist's Key Activities: [1973] Succeeded to the name Imaemon Imaizumi XIII; [1986] Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon; [1989] Designated as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for "Iro-Nabeshima" (Living National Treasure); [1998] Received the Japan Ceramic Society Gold Award; [1999] Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
- Works Housed In: National Crafts Museum, Tokyo National Museum, Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum (London), British Museum (London), etc.
- Period of Production: Circa 1975–1990 (Late Showa period, estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated Tomobako included (inscribed on the lid with "Nishiki E-kawari Yunomi" and on the back with "Imaemon" in ink, stamped with seal)
- Material: Porcelain (Arita ware, Iro-Nabeshima, overglaze enamels, Fukizumi/Usuzumi effect, hiragana mark "Imaizumi" inside the foot ring)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 8.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 7.5 cm
- Caution: All products offered by our shop are pre-owned items due to their historical production period. Products may have minor age-related changes in texture, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying these condition details.
