Imaemon in Ginza, Tokyo

Attention please！
Ceramics lovers visiting Tokyo, right now you can see the work of one of Japan’s most famous kilns, the Imaemon kiln ｆrom Arita, Saga Prefecture, right in the middle of Tokyo, Ginza!

The location is in a cozy corner of the first basement floor in Ginza’s landmark clock tower, the luxurious specialty store ‘Wakō’!

The taste of this exhibition differs from Imaemon kiln’s usual ones.

At this exhibition, of the tableware that is displayed, only one set consists of the same items, while the rest are unique.

The name of the kiln, Imaemon, is derived from the name of the kiln’s generational master, Imaemon.

This Imaemon kiln is a respected kiln, as the first generation of the Imaemon family was originally a ceramic painter who worked for the feudal lord of Saga, the Nabeshima clan.

As a matter of fact, the master’s family name ‘Imaizumi’ is engraved on the old mossy stone lantern in the Nippō shrine that worships the Nabeshima clan.
The style of the Nabeshima clan kiln can be seen in the clear and exquisite paintings on the Imaemon kiln works. Their luxurious decorations applied on the foot and backside of the vessels also show the Nabeshima clan kiln’s features.

Lasting for about 380 years, Imaemon kiln’s traditional techniques have been designated as the National Important Intangible Cultural Propertｙ.
In addition to their traditional technique, nowadays Imaemon kiln expresses the modernity of its works with their innovative designs and platinum painting that has not been used before.

This Imaemon kiln exhibition collaborates with the ‘Exhibition of the Living National Treasure’ which is held on the 6th floor in Wakō at the same time.
There, you will find the master’s art creations of Imaemon kiln.

So, pottery lovers who cannot make it to Arita, why not take this chance!　(till 2026.April 19th)
(K.H.)