Nabeshima ware in the context of "Overglaze enamels"

Overglaze decoration, overglaze enamelling, or on-glaze decoration, is a method of decorating pottery, most often porcelain, where the coloured decoration is applied on top of the already fired and glazed surface, and then fixed in a second firing at a relatively low temperature, often in a muffle kiln. It is often described as producing "enamelled" decoration. The colours fuse onto the glaze, so the decoration becomes durable. This decorative firing is usually done at a lower temperature which allows for a more varied and vivid palette of colours, using pigments which will not colour correctly at the high temperature necessary to fire the porcelain body. Historically, a relatively narrow range of colours could be achieved with underglaze decoration, where the coloured pattern is applied before glazing, notably the cobalt blue of blue and white porcelain.

Many historical styles, for example mina'i ware, Imari ware, Chinese doucai, and wucai, combine the two types of decoration. In such cases the first firing for the body, underglaze decoration and glaze is followed by the second firing after the overglaze enamels have been applied.

Karako (唐子) is a Japanese term used in art with the depiction of Chinese children playing. The literal translation means "Tang children". The children tend to be depicted with a particular hairstyle that is knotted at the top and shaved on both sides of the head.

The theme of these playing children can be found in screens and ceramics and other forms of Japanese art. They symbolise the innocence and joy of childhood. Arita ware, Nabeshima ware, and Hirado ware are typical examples of Japanese pottery that depict karako. In painted form on ceramic ware, it often shows boys chasing butterflies.