The Story of Imari: The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain [Hardcover]

Goro Shimura (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2008

Fired in the kilns of Arita, Japan, eight miles south of the seaport town after which it was named, Imari porcelain is distinguished by the beautiful visual effects produced by its blue underglaze and color overglaze enamels. In THE STORY OF IMARI, author Goro Shimura describes the cultural and historical significance of these prized porcelain bowls, plates, vases, teacups, and other wares. Examining the artistry and stories behind specific pieces, Shimura analyzes their glazes, patterns, motifs, and functions, weaving in tales of emperors, tea ceremonies, cranes, surfing rabbits, and more. This is Imari in all its colorful glory, from the grandest histories to the smallest details. A richly photographed history of the culture and folklore of Imari, a distinctive style of antique ceramics from Japan. Features more than 150 rare and collectible pieces from 1600 to 1830.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

* Features more than 150 rare and collectible pieces from 1600 to 1830.

About the Author

GORO SHIMURA is Michael Henry Strater University Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mathematics at Princeton University. He has been studying and collecting Imari for more than 30 years. He lives in Princeton, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press; First Edition edition (June 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580088961
• ISBN-13: 978-1580088961
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 0.7 x 10.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #496,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book for Learning More about the Detail of Old Japanese Ceramics, June 25, 2011

By 

Fred - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Story of Imari: The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain (Hardcover)

I oollect and enjoy old Japanese ceramics. Always wanting to learn more, I purchased and read this book. The author, a Japanese professor of mathematics, is also a collector. Two of the things that I lked about this book, and of which I think would add to the knowledge base of other interested parties if they read this book are: 1. The background history and stories of Japanese porcelain such as the kidnapping of the Korean potters back to Japan which gave influence to the Japanese porcelain making trade, and, 2. The tea ceremony which inspired a deep artistic and cultural passion in Japan for fine porcelain objects. The book also gives very valuable technical detail for old Japanese ceramics that can't easily be found elsewhere. For example, information on kiln spur marks and the use of Chinese reign designations on the back of some of the old Japanese porcelain objects. I highly recommend this book for those with a mild or passing interest and advanced collectors alike. Very nice and informative.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treat for the Connoisseur, November 13, 2009

By 

Anon (Palm Springs, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Story of Imari: The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain (Hardcover)

This beautiflly produced, erudite, book is a treat for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge about the glories of Japanese porcelain from the late 16th century onward. Over 150 examples, in color, are meticulously discussed both with respect to their artistic qualities and within their historical contexts.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best for Imari lovers and valuators., September 22, 2009

By 

Alberto Zimbron Ortiz (Mexique) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Story of Imari: The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain (Hardcover)

Arita phenomenon is something very special in porcelain history. Heiress of a Chinese tradition but very Japanese (Korean, sometimes, indeed) in taste, Imari ware have brought to us diverse kinds of very refined hand decorated porcelain "oeuvres d'art", from the pale greyish blue underglaze cobalt painting of "Ai Imari" and the colorfull richnes of "Ko Imari" overglaze decoration and "Kinrande", to the exquisite work of the Meiji period New Imari Era. Imari porcelain can be so great, it deserves having the marks of "Da Ming -- Nian Zhi" (Daimin -- Nensei). A great handbook for all interested in Imari styles and marks.Imari (Famous Ceramics of Japan #6)