Sakaida Shibuemon, potter of the Minamikawahara kiln in Hizen Arita. According to the “Sakaida Kakiemon Family Genealogy,” he was the guardian of Kakiemon VI (b. 1690, Genroku 3, d. 1735, Kyoho 20). According to the “Sakaida Kakiemon Family Genealogy,” he was the guardian of Kakiemon VI (b. 1735, d. 20 Kyoho) and the younger brother of Kakiemon V (b. 1691, d. 4 Genroku). He died in Kyoho (no record of the year) on September New Year’s Eve (age unknown). The works of Kakiemon with the inscription “Genroku 8 Otsugai Kaki” or “Genroku 12-nen Kaki” are presumed to have been made by Shibuemon, based on their year. The characteristics of the vessels (mostly plates) are that the edges of the vessels are always curved in shape compared to Kakiemon-te or Imari ware, and the sides of the non-bent vessels are eccentrically curved, the colors of the patterns are intense and luxurious, and they blend very well with the shape of the vessels. The patterns are formalized by being arranged in geometric patterns. The patterns seem to have been taken from the dyed textile designs of the time, and they truly express the brilliant mood of the Genroku and Kyoho periods (1688-1736). Furthermore, Shibuemon’s designs and styles share many similarities with those of Nabeshima, which began around the time of the Kyouho period, in the use of base materials and colored glazes, patterns incorporating dyed textiles, and the color tones of gosu (mineral pigments), as well as in the vessel forms. It seems likely that the craftsmen trained by Shibuemon were invited to the Nabeshima family and finally produced such exquisite porcelain. (Ceramics, 2.2)
