Stunning kakiemon style
octobre 2025
In the Japanese potteries in the Arita region, a decor was developed in the seventeenth century, characterized by delicate branches with sparse flowers in a unique asymmetrical style. This painting style is called kakiemon and because of the great transparency and unexpected flower branch pattern, this fashion quickly became popular worldwide. It will come as no surprise that this fame led to imitation. The porcelain pipe bowl depicted here shows this kakiemon style. However, it is a pipe made in the famous Königlichen Sächsischen Porzellan-Manufaktur in Meissen, dating from around the year 1730. Although the inspiration unmistakably lay in the decor of the East, we can clearly see European influences. Where the branches in the Japanese kakiemon are exceptionally transparent, partly leafless and with a whimsical design, the European version is more closely related to the colorful floral bouquets of other Meissen decors with more flower and leaf work. Furthermore, the use of bright colors suits the taste of the European market. These bright but unrealistic colours - note for example the leaves in a blue tint - betray Japanese inspiration, but in the execution we search in vain for the convincing Japanese identity. It remains a truly European object, but because of the wonderful mix, it is extremely rare in its kind.
Amsterdam Pipe Museum APM 30.432
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