【303select】Imari Ware | Japan Sometsuke Camellia Mug

★ The Land of Secret Kilns ~ Imari Ware ★ Handmade by Japanese Artisans ★ Centuries of Exquisite Craftsmanship ★ A Kiln Designated for Imperial Use Beyond the cherry blossom, Japan's well-known national flower, the camellia is also a representative flower of Japan, also known as the "Japanese camellia." Its flower language is "humble tenderness," much like the characteristics of the Japanese people. The camellia motif is therefore frequently seen in designs for various Japanese ceramics, daily goods, and creative products. This Sometsuke Camellia series features meticulous detailing using underglaze painting. The blue dye of the Sometsuke (blue and white) porcelain showcases elegance on the white ceramic. Other items in the same series, such as cups, plates, and teapots, are available for coordination. The glaze used by Imari Porcelain Imari Touen is free of any gelatinous substances. Instead, it is made from naturally fermented tea leaves, requiring three years of aging to completely eliminate any fermentation odors. The rim is rounded, and the texture is delicate, making for excellent presentation when serving dishes. Even the simplest meals can be effortlessly elevated to appear exquisitely prepared, allowing you to experience a beautiful dining ritual at home, bringing you the most beautiful dining table and the most comforting life aesthetics. Suitable for | Tea, Wine, Various Beverages Applicable Cookware | ✓ Microwave × Oven Washing Method | **303 Recommends Hand Washing for Best Cleaning ✓ Hand Wash: Can be cleaned with a soft cloth or sponge ✓ Dishwasher Washing Precautions | *When using a dishwasher for the entire process, from washing to drying, please keep the following in mind: 1. Use a neutral and mild detergent. 2. The placement of the tableware should avoid direct contact with other utensils. About Imari Ware Originating from Saga Prefecture, Arita is the birthplace of Japanese ceramics. In the 1600s, at Okawachiyama, Imari, the Saga domain established an official kiln to produce tribute ceramics for shoguns, nobles, and prominent families, thus giving birth to Imari Nabeshima Ware. At that time, to prevent the leakage of firing techniques, the kiln was built in a strategically challenging location. The artisans, techniques, and materials were all top-notch, resulting in ceramics of the highest quality, exclusively for nobles and the Emperor. It even earned the title "The Land of Secret Kilns." Today, the kiln continues to inherit advanced techniques while developing new ones, allowing "Imari Nabeshima Ware" to thrive for over 350 years. Brand Story | About Imari Touen | Imari Touen and Chichitoujin | In 1968 (Showa 43), President Kaneko, who operated a pottery factory in Imari, hired the potter Chichitoujin Sawada from Kyoto with the goal of protecting the traditional techniques of Arita ceramics and the production of high-quality Imari ceramics. This led to the establishment of Imari Touen. Due to the modernization of production facilities and the transition to mass production in Imari, handcrafting techniques were neglected, and traditional artisans gradually decreased, even threatening the preservation and inheritance of traditional skills. Mr. Chichitoujin Sawada, adhering to fundamental principles, guided the artisans to enhance their awareness of raw materials like clay and glazes, as well as tools, thereby improving their creative skills. He focused on studying ancient Chinese ceramics, pursuing aesthetic utility while applying traditional ceramic techniques. He led the development and production of a diverse range of products that fit contemporary lifestyles and offered a sense of freshness. In 1970, the foundation of Imari Touen was laid with the integration of modern Imari ceramics with the designs of the then factory director, Eiji Okamoto (a graphic designer). A solitary pursuit of beauty against the tide of the times marked the birth of a new chapter for modern Imari Ware. | Inheritance and Innovation | In 1997, the current president, Hideki Kaneko, inherited the will of his predecessors, facilitating an exhibition of Japanese ceramic artists at the British Museum. Today, Imari Touen utilizes ultra-high-quality white porcelain, stoneware, Karatsu clay, Shigaraki clay, Hagi clay, and other materials depending on the product. They produce and use glazes and coatings suited to the characteristics of each type of clay. The compatibility of the materials used is also important to bring out the best performance of each material. Based on this, they design shapes to meet customer needs and create custom-made vessels that fully showcase the artisans' skills. The works of Chichitoujin continue to influence many Japanese artists. Artists such as Hiroshi Senju, Tsurutaro Kataoka, and Terumasa Hino have all created ceramic works at Imari Touen. The artisans at Imari Touen are also inspired by visiting artists. While safeguarding the traditions left by Chichitoujin, they have embarked on new challenges in creating Imari Touen's new vessels. Imported from Japan × Made in Saga Prefecture × Produced by Imari Touen Kiln | Imari Touen, Tsurutaro Studio Design | Artist Tsurutaro Kataoka Material | Amakusa Clay from Kumamoto Prefecture (Imari Ware Ceramic) Glaze | Sometsuke (Blue and White) Dimensions | Approx. ∅ 7.5 cm × H 9.5 cm Weight | Approx. 200 g