The useful distinction is a colour’s position in the production sequence, not simply whether a vessel looks colourful. Arita Tourism Association explains decoration before and after the main firing. This gives readers a way to interpret catalogue terms without guessing from appearance alone.
Technique and structure
The association describes gosu as a pigment that fires blue and is applied before glazing. The glaze temporarily obscures that drawing, then becomes transparent and glass-like during firing. A piece decorated only with gosu, called sometsuke, is complete after the main firing. Overglaze colours are instead applied to the fired glaze surface and fixed in a further, lower-temperature firing. Placement relative to the glaze and firing order explain the two terms together.
Colour does not establish appliance compatibility
A decoration description identifies a making method. It is not a tested statement about a particular vessel’s microwave, oven or dishwasher suitability. Ask the maker for those instructions separately, especially where a catalogue identifies metallic decoration.
For international readers
Check the individual item’s decoration and handling specifications. This guide does not identify a kiln or technique from a photograph.
Global shipping and buying
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日本語
有田焼の絵付け：色と釉薬の上下関係を読む
有田観光協会の説明では、呉須の下絵付けは施釉・本焼成より前、上絵付けは本焼成後の釉薬面に行います。呉須だけで装飾した染付けは本焼成で完成し、上絵は別の焼成で定着させます。色数から電子レンジなどへの適合は推測しません。