Artifact No. 1982.66, Imaemon Imaizumi XII Imari Vase; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum (Grand Rapids, MI)

Imari Vase

Artifact ID1982.66

Object Type Vase

Gifter Hirohito, Emperor of Japan

Maker Imaemon Imaizumi XII

Gifter Kōjun, Empress of Japan

Date before 1975

(not assigned)

Medium porcelain, paint, glaze

DimensionsOverall H 11 1/2 in x Diam 9 1/2 in (29.2 cm x 24.1 cm )

Physical DescriptionA green, yellow, and red floral motif decorates a dark blue vase. Blue flowers against a white background encircle the neck, and vertical white stripes encircle the foot.
Historical NoteEmperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako of Japan gifted President and Mrs. Ford this Imari vase during their to Washington, D.C. in October of 1975. This state visit was the first time the Emperor and Empress of Japan had visited the United States. Imari porcelain originates during the 17th century. Imaemon Imaizumi XII, a master of the Imari tradition, made this vase. The Imaemon family specializes in a subset of Imari ware known as Iro-Nabeshima, a multi-colored overglaze porcelain from the former Nabeshima clan.Additional Details

Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to First Lady Betty Ford during the Ford administration. It was presented to her and was maintained at the Executive Office of the President until its transfer to the National Archives in 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)

National Archives Catalog SeriesHead of State Gifts Given to President Gerald R. Ford (74639696)

Use Restriction Status Unrestricted

Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.

Collections