Imaizumi Imaemon XIII's 1994 Iro-e Fukizumi Porcelain Dish

Beneath the surface of this porcelain dish lies more than just decoration—it holds centuries of tradition, layered like whispers in the glaze.

This piece, created in 1994 by Imaizumi Imaemon XIII (十三代 今泉今右衛門), is a stunning example of iro-e fukizumi (色絵吹重ね, layered colour overglaze with spray effect). A technique developed in the Imaemon kiln, it softens vibrant floral motifs with a mist-like background, creating an ethereal depth reminiscent of morning fog over a Japanese garden.

Here, flowers seem to float in midair, their delicate outlines grounded by deep indigo shadows, achieved through the controlled gradation of pigments. Unlike traditional Ko-Imari (古伊万里) porcelains, where colours are boldly outlined, Imaizumi’s innovation brings a sense of quiet refinement—an interplay of opacity and translucence, precision and spontaneity.

As the 13th-generation master of the prestigious Imaemon lineage, he carried forward the artistry of Nabeshima ware (鍋島焼) while elevating it into a new era. Each stroke, each misted layer, is not just a display of craftsmanship but a dialogue between past and present, discipline and artistic intuition.

To hold such a piece is to hold time itself, crystallised in porcelain.

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