Iro Nabeshima ware, Living National Treasure, 12th generation Imaizumi Imaemon kiln. This is a kyuusu (teapot) with a Nishiki Fujibakama (Japanese thoroughwort) design. The Fujibakama pattern has the color scheme typical of Imaemon. Tea utensils made by the 12th generation Imaizumi Imaemon (1897-1975) are very rare items. The Imaizumi Imaemon kiln is a kiln that has inherited the traditional technique of "Iro Nabeshima," which is classified historically within the Nabeshima ware family. This technique involves "drawing an underglaze with indigo paint (pigment) and firing it, then applying overglaze with red, yellow, and green colors." The "Imaizumi Imaemon" who makes this Iro Nabeshima ware came from a family that served as the official red painter for the Saga clan. Nabeshima ware was high-quality porcelain manufactured in the Edo period at kilns directly managed by the Saga clan (Nabeshima clan). Its techniques and traditions have been revived and continued by the Imaizumi Imaemon family. The rules of Iro Nabeshima ware were to draw outlines with red paint or gos (blue underglaze) and use only three colors: yellow, red, and green, within those outlines. Despite using only three colors for the overglaze, the colors appear to be many, which is also the reason why it is considered a first-class ceramic. Size: Diameter - 6.7cm Height - 10cm Width (including spout) - 16cm In beautiful condition. We accept questions in the comments section. #NabeshimaWare #IroNabeshimaWare #ImaizumiImaemonTeaUtensils #TeaUtensils #Ceramics #IroNabeshima #Kyuusu #Dobin (teapot) #LivingNationalTreasureTeaUtensils #NabeshimaWareTeaUtensils #ColoredPainting #FujibakamaPainting #Fujibakama #Antique #12thGenerationImaizumiImaemon