Tile Painting: Imari Inspiration

May is Asian Heritage Month. Each Sunday, we’ll highlight the rich Chinese and Japanese ceramic traditions in our collection with a series of activities inspired by them.

Imari ceramics owes its name to the port in Japan from which it was traditionally shipped. It was known for its colorful style, usually a mix of orange, red, green, gilt details, and line bands. As these ceramics became increasingly popular in Europe, the style was reproduced in Britain. This Sunday, we’ll use the traditional Imari porcelain colors to paint on tiles, dividing our sections with thin lines of gold paint.

We’ll also have a calligraphy workshop in the lobby! Join us and learn to write Chinese characters with a brush. All materials will be provided.

Demonstrations of this ancient art will take place at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, and 2 pm.

Image: Saucer in the Japanese Imari Style-Inspiration, Minton, c.1805-6, England, Gift of N. Robert Cumming, G01.10.15