Enamel & Polychrome Wares —A Colorful World in Ceramic Art

   Enamel or Polychrome is one of the most sophisticated production techniques among ceramic and porcelain arts by which kiln-site directors and potters apply the colored over-glazes to decorate the porcelain transparent surface in the high-temperature firing. Various patterns are designed and painted by different colors, mainly red color, providing the enamel with a highly pictorial decoration.

   Since ancient times, people have been craving to decorate various patterns on pottery, earthenware, ceramic, and porcelain pictorially. Various vessels used in daily life have been historically transformed into beautiful pieces by such human desires. Thus, over the centuries, people have prized that ceramic art to enrich their daily lives.

   With the arrival of the modern ages in the 17th century, people, particularly on the Eurasia Continents, they appreciated the colored porcelain as they found one of the most sophisticated methods in the decoration of the enamels.  In the early 17th century, when the history of the world witnessed the peak of modernity, porcelain production was born and brought to Japan from the production technique of highly skilled experts in China and Korea. In this historical period, the technique of “red painting” was also developed in Japan.

   It took just a short period, almost a blink of an eye that the IMARI enameled ware porcelain products drew Europe’s attractions, and saw the boom of exotic production. On the other hand, it is essential to note that the techniques of decorating enamels with different colors already existed in the ancient period, such as the Japanese JOMON period’s pottery.

   Our annual special exhibition series may feature a particular focus on the beauty of colored earthenware, pottery, ceramic, porcelain, and various ceramics and crafts. The visitors may enjoy the “red” and “colorfulness” in the exhibition.

   We hope that you will drop by and enjoy this unique & expertise exhibition.