This is divided into Part 1 - PAINTING and Part 2 – MOLDS.

Techniques for PAINTING: The hand painting of Nippon pieces is unparalleled, especially the pieces done in the earlier part of the era (1891 – 1921). We don’t know all the tools or methods for achieving the high-quality pieces, but Japanese researchers have brought to our attention some techniques that were used. These researchers have focused on the Morimura Company, known today as Noritake, as they contracted with the finest artists.

Shading: Bokashi/Gradation/Blur – Early Nippon wares used shading techniques extensively. Shading resulted from the paint applied so that the color gradually faded from a deep color to pale. This traditional technique used by Japanese painters was either applied by brush or spray to create a discernable realistic dimension. The colors of gradation found in the early pieces include yellow shading (tamago-bokashi/ tamago means egg, tamago-bokashi translates as egg blur), light shading, loquat (green, yellow or red-blushed) shading, sumi-e (black to white), dark pink to light, as well as others. Blur is also when the paint is applied so that it is intentionally “out of focus” to soften edges.

Dami (Dami-e) is painting the porcelain all over with a solid color (like “gold dami” or ‘cobalt dami”) or “pattern dami,” such as a leaf or flower. These serve as a backdrop for the design.

Techniques for MOLDS: Noritake contracted with only the best potters, exclusively, as they did with painters. Mold technology advancements – that allowed the Japanese to make products very much like those Americans were importing from Europe - caused a tremendous increase in products for export to both American and European markets. It was important that the molds be well made from the best clay and provided the right “match” for the design or pattern that would be painted on it. The numbers of improvements in this period were numerous.

MEMBERS, for more information on Painting and Mold Techniques, go HERE.