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Imari Nabeshima Ware
"Born from an unparalleled history and tradition"

Nabeshima ware is a type of porcelain ware produced by the Nabeshima domain kiln, which was established in 1628 by 31 selected potters in the Arita and Imari areas, Saga Prefecture, as a project directly managed by the Saga Nabeshima domain in the early Edo period (1603 CE–1867 CE).

For about 250 years until the abolition of the domain in 1871, Nabeshima ware, which could only be used by shoguns and feudal lords, continued to produce porcelain masterpieces such as iro-Nabeshima "colored Nabeshima," sometsuke and celadon porcelain, and others as masterpieces of the finest quality. Later, the kilns became private kilns, and new potters joined to create the present Imari Nabeshima ware. 

Charm of Imari Nabeshima Ware

Okawachiyama, the home of Nabeshima ware, is surrounded by mountains. The scenery of 30 kilns lined up against the hill is as beautiful as an ink painting. Although it is now a popular tourist destination, during the Edo period(1603 CE–1868 CE), Nabeshima ware was produced under the strict control by the clan, which established a barrier to prevent people from entering the area.

Nabeshima ware was made for special purposes such as dedication and gift-giving, and therefore had to meet many standards to maintain its dignity and style as a feudal lord's tool.

For example, the design of the kodai "foot" had to have evenly spaced patterns like the teeth of a comb, with no deviations. The color painting was also characterized by the presence of underglaze painting lines in gosu, cobalt-blue pigment. Of course, the molding was extremely precise, with no distortion allowed. For this reason, the beauty of Nabeshima ware is highly appreciated both domestically and internationally, even as the pinnacle of Japanese porcelain.

Until the Meiji era (1868 CE–1912 CE), Nabeshima ware was not available on the market and was never seen by the general public. Today, however, it can be easily used in daily life as Imari Nabeshima ware. Despite its avalability, the high quality and beauty of Nabeshima ware have been passed down through the ages. It is often used as a wedding gift or as a longevity gift, as it can be cherished and used for a long time.

Style of Imari Nabeshima Ware

There are three main types of Nabeshima ware: iro-Nabeshima, sometsuke, and celadon ware.  These characteristics have been carried over to the current Imari Nabeshima ware, and the designs are both popular and highly regarded.

Iro-Nabeshima

After outlines are drawn with indigo-colored gosu, the inside is overglazed with red, kibi "yellow", and moyogi "green." Although it appears that many colors are used, in fact only three colors are used in overglaze painting, a characteristic of iro-Nabeshima, and its beauty is said to be the pinnacle of Japanese porcelain.

Sometsuke

The design is applied using only gosu on a transparent base. The full range of techniques, such as the application of an even coating so that no brushstrokes can be seen after a firm outline has been drawn, and the meticulous sumi-hajiki "repellent ink" technique, give Nabeshima ware the dignity and sophistication. 

Celadon

Celadon glaze made from high quality celadon gemstones produced in Okawachiyama is applied to the whole or part of the ware, sometimes with underglaze sometsuke or iro-e painting. There are bluish and greenish kannyu "crazing" finishes.

Photo by Courtesy of Hataman Touen

Popular Kilns

Hataman Touen

Hataman Touen is a company that aims to "create a new Nabeshima" along with passing on the history and traditional craft of Imari Nabeshima ware, which has continued for 370 years. Based on the belief that "traditional crafts can only be inherited if they are closely connected to daily life," the company offers tableware that enriches the spirit and sensibility in accordance with modern lifestyles.

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Kosen Kiln

Nabeshima Kosen Kiln specializes in products that use a variety of the three techniques that are characteristic of Nabeshima ware: iro-Nabeshima, sometsuke, and celadon. The company's founder, Kawasoe Tameo, has long studied celadon porcelain with a strong desire to make Nabeshima celadon ware available to as many people as possible.

The current third generation, with a vision of "establishing Nabeshima culture," began research and development of celadon from a different perspective from that of his grandfather. The kiln is working daily with the hope that the future of Nabeshima ware will be enriched 100 years from now.

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Hataman Touen Moist Floating Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Rectangle Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Floating Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Rectangle Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Kosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Imari Nabeshima Ware Japanese Rice Bowl - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftKosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Imari Nabeshima Ware Japanese Rice Bowl - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Gold Persimmon Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Gold Persimmon Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Gold Leaf Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Gold Leaf Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Kosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Weave Imari Nabeshima Ware Square Plate 10.4in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftKosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Weave Imari Nabeshima Ware Square Plate 10.4in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Iro - Nabeshima Morning Glory Imari Nabeshima Ware Long Wind Bell - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Iro - Nabeshima Morning Glory Imari Nabeshima Ware Long Wind Bell - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Kosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Imari Nabeshima Ware Oval Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftKosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Imari Nabeshima Ware Oval Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Bamboo Grass Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Bamboo Grass Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Kosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Imari Nabeshima Ware Tumbler - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftKosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Imari Nabeshima Ware Tumbler - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Blue Carp Streamer Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Blue Carp Streamer Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Red Carp Streamer Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Red Carp Streamer Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Gold Crane Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Gold Crane Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Orchid Cactus Imari Nabeshima Ware Quince - Shaped Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Orchid Cactus Imari Nabeshima Ware Quince - Shaped Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Orchid Cactus Imari Nabeshima Ware Cup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Orchid Cactus Imari Nabeshima Ware Cup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Gold Gourd Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Gold Gourd Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Floating Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Large Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Floating Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Large Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Kosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Basket Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftKosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Basket Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Gold Turtle Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Gold Turtle Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Gold Peach Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Gold Peach Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Kaleidoscope Iro - Nabeshima Imari Nabeshima Ware Ring Flower Vase L - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Kaleidoscope Iro - Nabeshima Imari Nabeshima Ware Ring Flower Vase L - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Iro - Nabeshima Goldfish Imari Nabeshima Ware Long Wind Bell - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Iro - Nabeshima Goldfish Imari Nabeshima Ware Long Wind Bell - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Kosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Maple Leaf Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftKosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Maple Leaf Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Square Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Square Plate
Hataman Touen Moist Chrysanthemum Shape Imari Nabeshima Ware Sakazuki Flat Sake Cup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Chrysanthemum Shape Imari Nabeshima Ware Sakazuki Flat Sake Cup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Gold Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Gold Sakura Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Butterfly Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Butterfly Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Chrysanthemum Shape Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Chrysanthemum Shape Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Kaleidoscope Iro - Nabeshima Imari Nabeshima Ware Ring Flower Vase S - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Kaleidoscope Iro - Nabeshima Imari Nabeshima Ware Ring Flower Vase S - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Chrysanthemum Shape Imari Nabeshima Ware Yunomi Japanese TeacupHataman Touen Moist Chrysanthemum Shape Imari Nabeshima Ware Yunomi Japanese Teacup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Bamboo Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Bamboo Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Sea Bream Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Sea Bream Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Mokko Knot Peach Blossom Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Mokko Knot Peach Blossom Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Mokko Knot Red Maple Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Mokko Knot Red Maple Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Chrysanthemum Shape Imari Nabeshima Ware Plate 7.5 in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Chrysanthemum Shape Imari Nabeshima Ware Plate 7.5 in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Gold Plum Blossom Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Gold Plum Blossom Imari Nabeshima Ware Side Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Collection of Treasures Imari Nabeshima Ware Chopstick Rest Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Collection of Treasures Imari Nabeshima Ware Chopstick Rest Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Kosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Chrysanthemum Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftKosen Kiln Medaka Rice Fish Chrysanthemum Imari Nabeshima Ware Sauce Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Boys' Festival Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Resting Gosho Doll - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Boys' Festival Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Resting Gosho Doll - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Boys' Festival Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Standing Gosho Doll - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Boys' Festival Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Standing Gosho Doll - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Boys' Festival Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Sitting Gosho Doll - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Boys' Festival Imari Nabeshima Ware Small Sitting Gosho Doll - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen White Carp Streamer Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen White Carp Streamer Nabeshima Ware Small Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Iro - Nabeshima Tortoiseshell Pattern Imari Nabeshima Ware Sakazuki Flat Sake Cup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Iro - Nabeshima Tortoiseshell Pattern Imari Nabeshima Ware Sakazuki Flat Sake Cup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Iro - Nabeshima Chinese Flowers Imari Nabeshima Ware Sakazuki Flat Sake Cup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Iro - Nabeshima Chinese Flowers Imari Nabeshima Ware Sakazuki Flat Sake Cup - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Iro - Nabeshima Pomegranate Imari Nabeshima Ware Plate 11.4in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Iro - Nabeshima Pomegranate Imari Nabeshima Ware Plate 11.4in - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hataman Touen Moist Gold Pine Imari Nabeshima Ware Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHataman Touen Moist Gold Pine Imari Nabeshima Ware Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift