[Imaemon IMAIZUMI]
An Arita ware potter in Arita-cho, Saga prefecture.
The name has been succeeded from the first generation Imaemon in the Edo period until the present generation, Imaemon XIII.
Between Kanbun era (1661-1673), Imaemon was selected to be an Akae painter of Nabeshima ware (high-class porcelain produced by the Nameshima domain) for the Nabeshima Domain. Since then, each generations of Imaemon have been a professional Akae writer.
Imaemon X (1848-1927)
Succeeded the name in 1873. In the begging of Meiji period, the official kiln of Nabeshima domain was closed, then Imaemon X established his own kiln and produced Iro-Nabeshima ware and other kinds of old-Imari style porcelains.
Imaemon XI (1873-1948)
Succeeded the name in 1927. Amman XI devoted great effort into restoration of Iro-Nabeshima ware.
Imaemon XII (1897-1975)
He succeeded the 12th generation Imaemon in 1948. Amman XII also devoted his life into restoration of Iro-Nabeshima with his father. Received the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 1967 and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 1972.
Imaemon XIII
The eldest son of Imaemon XII. living National Treasure.
After graduating from Department of Crafts of Tokyo School of Arts, he returned to his hometown to work at his father’s studio, and in 1975, he succeeded Imaemon XIII because of his father’s death. Imaemon XIII established Iro-Nabeshima Imaemon Technique Preservation Association and designated as a Living National Treasure in 1989. In addition, he established Imaemon Museum of Ceramic Antiques in Arita-cho in 1997.
Imaemon XIV (1962-)
The second son of Imaemon XIII. Living National Treasure.
Imaemon XIV graduated from Industrial Design course of Musashino Art University in 1985, and refined his skills under Osamu Suzuki in Kyoto. Returning to Arita in 1990 and letned the methods and techniques of cole porcelain under his father. He succeeded his father’s name in 2002 instead of his older brother who assumes sales of their family business, and also became a chairman of Iro-Nabeshima Imaemon Technique Preservation Association and a manager of Imaemon Museum of Ceramic Antiques. He received the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 2009 and accredited as the youngest holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure)in the field of ceramics in 2014.
[Nabeshima ware]
Nabeshima ware is a high-class porcelain manufactured at Nabeshima feudal kiln (present Saga prefecture) under strict supervision during the Edo period (the 17th-19th century). Decorated in blue-on-white underglaze, or multi-colored overglaze enamel called ‘Iro-Nabeshima’ or celadon, Nabeshima ware was only produced as gifts for the ruling shogun family and feudal lords. The Nabeshima kiln once closed in 1871(abolition of feudal domains and establishment of prefectures), however Imaemon Imaizumi revived it and succeeded its traditions.
Unlike most Arita ware, the designs drew on Japanese rather than Chinese traditions, especially those of textile design, and are often marked by a free use of empty space.