Akae (red overglaze enamel)
Overglaze enamel decoration using vivid red (bengara / iron red) combined with other coloured enamels and gold. Akae is central to Kutani ware, Kakiemon porcelain, and Imari styles — producing the opulent coloured decoration that captivated European collectors in the 17th–18th centuries.
FAQ regarding Aka-e (Red Overglaze Painting)
Q1. What kind of technique is "Aka-e" (red painting), and how does it differ from "Sometsuke" (blue and white)?
The primary difference lies in the timing of the painting and the firing temperature (whether it is painted under or over the glaze).
Painted with cobalt pigment (Gosu) directly onto the unfired bisque body, coated with a clear glaze, and fired at a high temperature of around 1,300°C in a single process (underglaze painting). The design sits beneath the glass-like glaze, resulting in a crisp, clean blue-and-white contrast.
Aka-e
Painted over the glassy glaze of a vessel that has already been high-fired. It uses low-temperature pigments, primarily red, and is fired a second time in a specialized overglaze kiln at around 800°C (overglaze painting). Because the pigments sit on top of the glaze, they have a slightly raised, tactile texture and offer vibrant, dimensional colors.
Q2. Are there any specific tips for using or caring for Aka-e tableware in daily life?
Since the pigments of Aka-e are baked on top of the glaze (overglaze), the key to preserving their beauty is avoiding friction and harsh detergents.
Unlike Sometsuke, which is protected by a glass coat, the painted surfaces of Aka-e are exposed. Scrubbing them with metal scouring pads or abrasive cleansers can scratch the delicate designs. Additionally, the high-pressure water jets and strong alkaline detergents of dishwashers can gradually fade the red pigments over time. For daily care, we highly recommend washing Aka-e pieces gently by hand using a soft sponge and mild dish soap.
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