Sometsuke is a Japanese term referring to the technique of decorating ceramics with brush-painted designs in underglaze cobalt blue on a white ground.
Transparent glaze is applied on top of this painted bisque before firing, producing a vivid shade of blue that is known in China as qinghua (literally “blue flower”). In Japan it is called sometsuke (literally “with dye”) because the color resembles dyed indigo blue.
Because of its versatility, the technique is used widely across Asia, the range of blue and white ceramic styles reflecting the varied regional characteristics of different countries. Though this technique utilizes only one color, the results are rich in personality and variety due to the shading and brushstrokes. A technique called dyeing is used to paint the unglazed fabric in indigo.
Size: Bowl 3-1/2" (9cm) x 2-1/8" (5.4cm)
Origin: Japan
Material / component: Porcelain Care: Dishwasher/OK, Microwave Oven/OK
