Sometsuke
Sometsuke (染付)
[edit]Sometsuke (Japanese: 染付, literally "blue decoration") is a traditional Japanese ceramic decoration technique that uses underglaze cobalt blue painting on porcelain or stoneware. It is one of the oldest and most widely practiced methods of ceramic surface decoration in East Asia, particularly associated with Arita ware, Shino ware, and Seto ware in Japan.
Overview
[edit]- Type: Underglaze decoration
- Primary use: Porcelain and stoneware
- Main color: Cobalt blue
- Major production areas: Arita, Seto, Mino, Kyoto
- Origin: China (Yuan Dynasty), adopted in Japan in the 17th century
History
[edit]Sometsuke was originally developed in China during the Yuan Dynasty and perfected during the Ming Dynasty, especially in Jingdezhen porcelain. The technique was introduced to Japan in the early 17th century through imported Chinese wares and by Korean potters brought to Japan during the invasions of Korea (1592–1598).
The Japanese version of Sometsuke developed a distinctive character, often favoring:
- Minimalist or asymmetrical compositions
- Loose, expressive brushwork
- Motifs drawn from Japanese folklore, literature, and nature
It quickly became a core technique of early Arita Ware and was especially prominent in export porcelain sent to Europe by the Dutch East India Company.
Technique
[edit]The Sometsuke process involves the following steps:
- A ceramic body is shaped and dried (typically white porcelain).
- A design is painted directly onto the unfired surface using a brush and cobalt oxide pigment suspended in water.
- A transparent glaze is applied over the decoration.
- The piece is fired at high temperatures (approx. 1250–1300°C), causing the cobalt to turn a rich blue under the glaze.
Because the cobalt oxide reacts during firing, the final color and sharpness depend on the glaze chemistry, firing temperature, and the purity of the pigment.
Common Motifs
[edit]Traditional Sometsuke pieces often depict:
- Landscapes (sansui-ga)
- Animals and birds
- Waves and clouds
- Plants such as bamboo, chrysanthemum, and plum
- Literary scenes and classical poetry
- Abstract or geometric borders
Regional Styles
[edit]| Region / Kiln | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Arita | Precise brushwork, often with Chinese-style motifs; sometimes combined with Iro-e |
| Seto | Softer brushstrokes, rustic or everyday themes |
| Kyō-yaki | Elegant, refined designs often influenced by court aesthetics |
| Mino | Heavier wares, often used for tea utensils |
Related Techniques
[edit]- Iro-e – Overglaze multicolor enamel painting
- Tetsu-e – Iron-based underglaze painting
- Shino ware – Porcelain and stoneware with underglaze iron and feldspar glaze
- Zaffer – European cobalt blue decoration (similar technique)
- Blue and white porcelain – Broader East Asian category to which Sometsuke belongs
Influence and Legacy
[edit]Japanese Sometsuke strongly influenced:
- Early European porcelain, especially at Meissen and Delft
- Later Japanese aesthetic movements emphasizing minimalism
- Contemporary ceramic artists blending East Asian and Western styles
Modern Sometsuke continues to be produced in Japan by both traditional artisans and contemporary ceramicists. Its enduring appeal lies in the contrast between the soft white porcelain and the flowing, deep blue designs.
