Nabeshima ware Another distinctive porcelain takes the name of the politically important Samurai clan of Lord Nabeshima whose kilns often produced ware used as gifts to friends and as peace-offerings to enemies. Unlike other Arita ware, the kiln specialized in porcelain with Japanese themes, models, and styles—not Chinese—but the Lord was also responsible for importing some Korean artists to Japan, providing a direct contact with Taoism. The Okawachi kiln dates to 1700 — Mid-Edo — and continues in the hands of masters until today. One is the “Living National Treasure” Imaizumi Imaemon.
Nabeshima ware is characterized by the employing of space—resulting in a simplicity or abstraction echoing Zen (Chan) and Taoist prioritizing of “nothingness” and “no mind.” Unlike most Japanese porcelain, the outlines of the pattern were under-glazed in blue before the final enamel overglaze. Blue seems to be a dominant color, with some works only showing blue figures. Under growing influence from the arrival of Zen during the Nara and Heian eras, some patterns tend to the abstract while others favor nature themes.
Large Nabeshima plate (48 cm), two herons on a branch. Edo period (1603 – 1867).
