Skip to main content
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administ…
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration
Imari-ware Vase
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration

Imari-ware Vase

Artifact IDMO 63.474
Object Type Vase
Date 1950-1965
Place MadeJapan, Asia
Medium Porcelain
Dimensionsoverall: 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionJapanese porcelain vase with floral dandelions decoration in rust, with leaves in blue and green.
Historical NoteThis vase was made by the Imaizumi Imaemon family who produces pottery in Arita and preserves many of the old traditions.

This superior white porcelain stone was first discovered at Izumiyama (Izumi mountain) of Arita, whose discovery marked an epoch in the history of Japanese pottery. Wares fired with this earth are called "hakuji" (white porcelain). Arita-ware was thus born by succeeding in firing porcelain painted with green on a snow-white, semi-transparent, solid surface. Arita-ware was exported to Europe through the port of Imari located near Arita, and for this reason became known in Europe as Imari-ware after the name of this port town.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a citizen of Japan to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President between 1961-1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view