Nabeshima-yaki Kiln Opening 350th Anniversary | Special Exhibition at Franck Muller Watchland Tokyo from April 1st
To commemorate the 350th anniversary of Nabeshima-yaki, a ceremonial sake bottle (Kensho Heishi) created by the Imari Nabeshima-yaki Cooperative will be specially exhibited at Franck Muller Watchland Tokyo. This collaboration highlights the resonance between traditional Japanese craftsmanship and a global watch brand, both themed around 'time.'
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (16h 39m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 02:07 (492h 27m after Collected)
The Imari Nabeshima-yaki Cooperative (Representative Director: Koji Setoguchi, Location: Okawachiyama, Imari City, Saga Prefecture) will hold a special exhibition of the Nabeshima-yaki Kensho Heishi, created with the theme of 'time,' at Franck Muller Watchland Tokyo in Ginza, Tokyo, from April 1 (Wednesday) to April 20 (Monday), Reiwa 8 (2026). On the occasion of the 350th anniversary of Nabeshima-yaki, 'Kateigaho,' which has conveyed Japanese traditional culture both domestically and internationally, served as a bridge between the two, making this project a reality. This Kensho Heishi is scheduled to be presented to Mr. Franck Muller after the exhibition.
The Imari Nabeshima-yaki Cooperative has continued the 'Kensho no Gi' (offering ceremony) since 1989, aiming to pass on the traditional techniques and spirit of Nabeshima-yaki to the present day. This work is a Kensho Heishi created to mark the 350th anniversary of Nabeshima-yaki, which is rooted in Okawachiyama, Imari City.
The recipient of this offering is the global watch brand Franck Muller. Franck Muller has pursued technology, beauty, and a philosophy towards time through watchmaking, evolving tradition and creating new value in the increasingly mechanized watch industry.
Nabeshima-yaki is also a craft that has evolved with the times, inheriting the techniques and beauty hailed as Japan's finest even after the abolition of the domain kiln. Both resonate deeply in their manufacturing stance of continuously choosing 'evolution' over 'preservation.'
This is a one-of-a-kind work, where the traditional beauty of Nabeshima-yaki, with its 350-year history, and Franck Muller's philosophy of time, known as the 'Master of Complications,' confront each other with 'time' as a common theme. We hope you will take this opportunity to view it.
## Artwork Overview
**Artwork Name:** Iro-Nabeshima Chojimon Karakusa Heishi (Colored Nabeshima Butterfly and Arabesque Pattern Sake Bottle)
**Creator:** Koshun Ichikawa, 6th generation of Nabeshima Oniwaki
**Dimensions/Weight:** Height 37cm x Max diameter 22.5cm, Weight 3kg
The Imari Nabeshima-yaki Cooperative has continued the 'Kensho no Gi' (offering ceremony) since 1989, aiming to pass on the traditional techniques and spirit of Nabeshima-yaki to the present day. This work is a Kensho Heishi created to mark the 350th anniversary of Nabeshima-yaki, which is rooted in Okawachiyama, Imari City.
The recipient of this offering is the global watch brand Franck Muller. Franck Muller has pursued technology, beauty, and a philosophy towards time through watchmaking, evolving tradition and creating new value in the increasingly mechanized watch industry.
Nabeshima-yaki is also a craft that has evolved with the times, inheriting the techniques and beauty hailed as Japan's finest even after the abolition of the domain kiln. Both resonate deeply in their manufacturing stance of continuously choosing 'evolution' over 'preservation.'
This is a one-of-a-kind work, where the traditional beauty of Nabeshima-yaki, with its 350-year history, and Franck Muller's philosophy of time, known as the 'Master of Complications,' confront each other with 'time' as a common theme. We hope you will take this opportunity to view it.
## Artwork Overview
**Artwork Name:** Iro-Nabeshima Chojimon Karakusa Heishi (Colored Nabeshima Butterfly and Arabesque Pattern Sake Bottle)
**Creator:** Koshun Ichikawa, 6th generation of Nabeshima Oniwaki
**Dimensions/Weight:** Height 37cm x Max diameter 22.5cm, Weight 3kg
FAQ
Where will the special Nabeshima ware exhibition be held?
It will be held at Franck Muller Watchland Tokyo in Ginza, Tokyo.
What kind of works will be exhibited?
A Nabeshima ware tribute vase titled 'Color Nabeshima Butterfly Ground Tang Grass Vase' themed around 'time' will be exhibited.
When will this exhibition be held?
It will be held from April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) to April 20, 2026 (Monday).