Imari ware produced in Edo Era (1603 – 1868) is called “Ancient Imari ware (Ko-Imari ; 古伊万里)”and categorized in a type of Arita porcelain that to be the top domestic porcelain production, and also includes several famous and traditional ceramics in Japan.
Since the moment the technology was shared by Korea in the 17th Century, the origin of Ancient Imari ware evolved through the creation of various styles. In the Edo period (1603-1867), the Nabeshima clan, which ruled Hizen Province (current Nagasaki and Saga prefecture, Japan), started to protect and train artisans of Ancient Imari ware.
Actually, the clan was extra-nervous about the leakage of technology, and craftsmen were not allowed to leave the area for the rest of their lives, and the clan was spending full efforts into buying everything up. The clan was selling not only in Japan but also exporting overseas as an important product.
The turning point happened in 1659. There was an event that the Ming dynasty (China) was transforming into the Qing dynasty (China). At that time the Ming dynasty needed to stop exploring overseas due to the dynasty transformation although the ceramic ware of the Ming dynasty had got a huge popularity in the world.
During the transformation event, the Dutch East India Company which was one of the biggest Import-Export companies decided to go with Imari Ware from Japan as an alternative to the ceramic ware of the Ming dynasty.
(Source: Kyushu-national museum)
In the 19th century, as a result, Japanese Ukiyoe (traditional drawings "浮世絵") and crafts became popular all over the world as “Japonism (Japanese Hobby)”, especially Western artists were inspired by the Japanese sense of color, but when the export of Imari Ware began in 1659, nobody expected to have this popularity in the future.
It is very romantic that Japanese Imari Ware was exported to the world at a time when Japan had no presence in the world, and it is significant that Japanese aesthetic sense and craftsmanship, which were already established at that time, were recognized in the world for the first time.
In fact after that, the Qing dynasty re-started trading with Japan again, which led to a suspension of Imari ware exports due to the price competition, but the brilliance of the Imari ware was not lost, and it still fascinates us even in this developed era - today.
Typical great points are Sometsuke and Kinrande.
*Sometsuke(染付)…A Japanese technique of painting with cobalt-containing pigments on a white porcelain base.
*Kinrande(金襴手)…gold-painted porcelain
The works are characterized by the lavish use of red and gold overglaze paints on a dark indigo-colored base, and gorgeous patterns of gold mud and gold powder on top of the colored paintings.
The variety of pictorial patterns and decorative qualities are sumptuous and gorgeous, reflecting the Genroku culture of the time. Plants, animals, geometrical and arabesque patterns are depicted. Many of them are filled entirely with diverse motifs.
*Genroku culture (元禄文化)…One of the peak moments of Japanese culture development dramatically and dynamically in 1688-1704.
Topkapi Inc. is Licensed Instructor of Aroma Fragrance Tuning Association (一般社団法人 アロマフレグランス調律協会 認定講師). Topkapi Inc. has equipped professional knowledge and practical experience of providing beautify spa experience by running premium beauty spas for more than 25 years (since 2016), this Koimari - Ancient Imari Ware Candle has been born.
When you turn the light on the Koimari - Ancient Imari Ware Candle,
Smell
Koimari - Ancient Imari Ware Candle brings you to the premium and relaxing air as a Perfumer. Topkapi invented various aromas with our original recipe. Smell gives you big effects on your mind.
See
The dreamlike atmosphere which Koimari - Ancient Imari Ware Candle shows you comes from both the candle light itself and the ceramic; Koimari. The unique and interesting design of Koimari which reflects lights creates the air like a dream.
Touch
The warm and human friendly smooth feeling gives you a comfortable feeling to make your mind calm.
Intuition
It is not describable, but when you Smell - See - Touch, your senses know that Koimari - Ancient Imari Ware Candle provides you the calm but deep air when the light is on. No doubt, it is the authentic Koimari - which has gone through more than 100-300 years of history.
Koimari has been through 100-300 years already, and was born as Koimari - Ancient Imari Ware Candle by the hands of Topkapi Inc. However, the history of Koimari will not end with this. After you enjoyed Koimari - Ancient Imari Ware Candle, then you can use Koimari as your house or office display. It will not stop shining unless you stop enjoying Koimari itself. With the long history of Koimari, the interesting story of Koimari, the value of Koimari continues and the value will not be exhausted.
Now, in the world (including Japan), there is a trending wave to enjoy antique.
Topkapi in Japan also enjoys Koimari in own VIP-only closed events. Knowing antique, feeling antique is really romantic. Koimari is not only just an antique, but it is a room-design display. Koimari gives you a unique & special feeling in your room & in your life.
Just show off your knowledge to friends who visited your house to enjoy the special moments.