Porcelain Perfection - Imperial Imari

True style transcends the centuries, which is why Imari porcelain will be forever treasured.

When Imari ceramics were introduced to the British in the late 17th early 18th Century, one English potter become renowned for its UK production; that was our name sake Robert Chamberlain of the Royal Porcelain Works. It is only fitting, then, that four hundred years later, the ceramics company launched in his name, Chamberlain & Co. should be producing some of the largest and most exquisite Imari ware currently available to the global market.

Introducing Chamberlain & Co’s impeccable Imperial Imari collection.

Imari ware, best known for its rich palette of red, blue and gold, typifies the style created by the Japanese potters of the early 1600s. The elegant shapes and gorgeous colour schemes make it instantly recognisable for ceramics enthusiasts. Both of these characteristics feature strongly in Chamberlain’s most recent collection.

With four key forms within the range – the shapely Croome Ginger Jar, graceful Broadway Vase, refined Elmley Bowl, and expansive Abberley Comport – there is something for every setting within the Imperial Imari collection.

Designed by renowned ceramicist, Louise Adams, exclusively for Chamberlain & Co, each piece is skilfully handmade and delicately hand-painted in Chamberlain’s Worcester studios. The beautiful collage which adorns each piece and is comprised of stylised camellias, which nod to Robert Chamberlain’s original designs, and gilded floral panels reflect the favoured 17th century style, and exudes the Eastern promise of the original artefacts, while bringing a welcome contemporary flavour and our own distinct colour pallet whist reflecting tradition.

Although in Louise Adams’ designs the rich iron red and deep cobalt blue pigments are still united by dazzling gold gilding in the traditional fashion, she has enhanced the Chamberlain & Co. designs by integrating Robert Chamberlain’s heritage shades of cool green and soft orange, bringing an intensity of colour more suited to the modern eye.

The unparalleled splendour of Imari ware has made it sought after throughout the centuries. The consummate skill of Chamberlain’s ceramicists and their ability to produce some of the largest, most intricate pieces in the world will ensure that Imperial Imari will cement a strong part of that tradition.

Today’s decoration will become tomorrow’s forever family heirloom.

Chamberlain’s Imperial Imari by numbers:

4 pieces – Croome Ginger Jar, Broadway Vase, Elmley Bowl, Abberley Comport.

6 hours – The minimum number of hours each piece takes to gild.

12 design elements – The Chamberlain & Co Imperial Imari design is formed from a collage created from 12 unique design elements, united by gilding.

 13 hours – At least 13 man hours of hand painting are required for each Imperial Imari piece.

 £200 – The glittering gilding of the Croome Ginger Jar costs a generous £200 per piece.

The number of years your Chamberlain Imari collection will be admired and treasured

 

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