Porcelain of famous origin

December 2018

Porcelain from Arita has been famous for centuries for its refined shapes and especially the exclusive paintings. Yet from 1970 onwards this Japanese ceramic center did not go well economically. The hand-painted porcelain was too expensive for many customers, bulk goods prevailed. Manufacturers were therefore looking for new articles to increase the viability of their business, such as the tobacco pipe shown here. It is an innovative product that unites two cultures. The metal Japanese tobacco pipe or kiseru had almost disappeared in that period, making way for the European briar pipe. The Gen-e-mon faience studio designed this alternative tobacco pipe in the late 1970s, combining Arita's professional craftsmanship with the design of European briar pipes. What emerged is a beautifully balanced product in European proportions, but in a local material and with a locally conceived decor. Here, a delicate painting has been applied in a continuous pattern of toothed spirals that merge smoothly and that are extraordinarily professionally painted. The high quality of the porcelain is in harmony with the contemporary mounting with an acrylic mouthpiece. Downside of the pipe is the weight. Despite its hollow wall, the pipe is over 80 grams for a comfortable smoking pipe on the heavy side.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum APM 22.752

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