Gold Kitamaebune Ornamental Plate 12.6 in

This ornamental plate features an intricate depiction of kitamaebune "merchant ships" asail on challenging waters during the cherry blossom season, rendered with delicate brushwork and rich color characteristics. The background is adorned with a dense pattern of red swirls against a golden base. The back of the plate is also meticulously decorated with traditional Japanese patterns known as takarazukushi, “collection of treasures” that carry auspicious meanings. 

Kitamaebune were merchant ships that operated between the mid-Edo period (1603 CE－1868 CE) and the late Meiji era (1868 CE－1912 CE), transporting goods along the Sea of Japan. During a time when navigation technology was not advanced, embarking on sea voyages required immense courage. Sailors often set off in the spring, when cherry blossoms were in full bloom, with no certainty of when they would return home. 

One of the most captivating aspects of Kutani ware is its vibrant colors. The artist, Kitamura Takashi uses his research and color-mixing techniques, inspired by ko-Kutani ware, to depict a vibrant seascape with the Kutani go-sai "five colors." The detailed ship structures, blooming cherry blossoms, waves beneath the ship, and the delicate swirls in the background come together to form a harmonious and magnificent composition.

The entire scene depicts the view of a merchant ship forging ahead. Through this composition, the artist vividly embodies the spirit of seafaring, conveying the beautiful symbolism of embarking on a new journey in spring. The artist powerfully expresses the courage to move boldly forward into the unknown by illustrating the figures of people setting out to explore the future.

Some cherry blossoms appear before the sails while others are behind, capturing the beautiful scene of cherry blossoms in full bloom during spring and conveying a sense of depth and space. The golden background, largely covered by red swirls, gives a reddish impression that harmonizes perfectly with the warm ambiance of spring.In Japan, spring is known as the season of encounters and farewells, often marking significant milestones in life. During this time, people filled with hopeful expectations for their future embark on new journeys. This ornamental plate allows viewers to feel the romantic spirit of courageously exploring the future.

Takashi Kitamura

Kitamura Takashis Kunst fängt den japanischen Seefahrergeist ein und feiert den Mut der kitamaebune Handelsschiffe. Indem er ihre Abfahrt statt ihrer Rückkehr darstellt, weckt er tiefe Emotionen und symbolisiert den Mut, der für ungewisse Reisen erforderlich ist. Seine Werke spiegeln die Feierlichkeit und Romantik dieser Seereisen wider und schaffen eine edle Erzählung von Menschen, die aufbrechen, um die Zukunft zu erkunden.

Quentin Ware

Kutani-Ware ist eine Keramik, die in der Region Kaga der Präfektur Ishikawa hergestellt wird und auf eine über 350-jährige Geschichte zurückblickt. Sie zeichnet sich durch die intensive Brillanz der fünf Farben Marineblau, Rot, Lila, Grün und Gelb aus. die auf die kühnen und gewagten Linien angewendet werden. Seine lange Geschichte hat sich durch die unermüdlichen Bemühungen und die Begeisterung von Menschen entwickelt, die nach Innovation strebten und gleichzeitig die Tradition bewahrten.