Inkwell - Porcelain

Inkstand, Imari porcelain and gilded bronze, 19th century – Japan

Material: Porcelain
Style: Imari
Period: Early 19th century
Country of origin: Imari, Japan
Provenance: Private collection
Good condition for its age and use
Dimensions: 7 x 8 x 8 cm.

Spectacular inkstand in Imari porcelain made in Japan, 19th century. White porcelain, glazed with polychrome enamels with geometric and floral motifs in ochre and cobalt blue. Imari porcelain has as characteristic features an ornate decoration, almost always floral, made to satisfy Western markets, and the use of cobalt blue under glaze and red glaze (sometimes also green) over glaze, frequently enriched with gilding, in this case the chiselled and gilded bronze of the lid.

Imari porcelain is the Western name given to porcelain products made in the town of Arita (Saga), Japan. Specifically Imari is the neighboring city from which porcelain is exported abroad through its port. Arita as a ceramic center has its origins in the 18th century, when a kaolin deposit was discovered. Since then, porcelain with strong Chinese influence was produced, for before the discovery all ceramics in Japan were imported from China and Korea. Thanks to its high export, the designs of Imari porcelain were decisive in the process of Orientalization of European ceramics, at the Meissen and Vincennes porcelain production centers. After the Meiji era, Imari porcelain underwent industrialization and its production continues today.

The shipment of the product will be paid by the buyer according to the dimensions, weight and destination. Shipping costs include professional bespoke packaging; and customized shipping, with tracking number and warranty.

The buyer will be responsible for paying import duties and related taxes in the destination country, if any. Please note the seller’s disclaimer regarding possible customs charges, as these are charged in the destination country and the amount to be paid is determined by the customs authority of that country. If an export permit is required, the costs are borne by the buyer. The cost depends progressively on the value of the artwork to be exported.