Dish - Stoneware - Monumental wall sign

This impressive and monumental wall plate is a beautiful example of Japanese export ceramics from the late nineteenth century, manufactured in the renowned Arita region during the Meiji period, circa 1880 to 1900. The large decorational dish, also known as a charger, is made of heavy stoneware and weighs no less than 2,450 grams. With a generous diameter of 41 centimeters and a depth of 7 centimeters, this object forms a substantial and atmospheric centerpiece for any interior.

The plate is a so-called semi-hand-painted export object from the Meiji period, also referred to as Meiji transferware with hand-painted blue underglaze. At the time, this was the absolute standard for chargers of this size and, historically, does not diminish the authenticity or estimated value.

The central landscape with the mountains and the dense texture of the tree foliage is applied via a transfer print (printing technique). Once the printed base image was on the plate, it was manually colored and finished with a brush. The three flowing blue scroll motifs on the back are drawn entirely by hand. No guiding lines or transfers were used, which you can immediately see from the varying thickness of the brushstrokes.

The front displays an extremely detailed and partly hand-painted Chinoiserie landscape in underglaze cobalt blue. The central decoration is richly filled with traditional rock faces, pine trees, and classic structures along the water. The broad, raised rim has a refined scalloped finish and is adorned with a continuous geometric mosaic pattern. This background is interrupted by successive cartouches in which flying cranes among pine branches and elegant phoenixes are depicted, symbols in Asian culture for respectively a long life and happiness. The transparent glaze layer shows, across the entire surface, a beautiful and authentic network of fine crazing.

The back of the dish underscores authenticity and the production method used. The light blue-gray glaze is decorated on the outer rim with three expertly hand-painted, flowing blue scroll motifs. The unglazed foot ring is rough and shows the age-related baker’s discolorations and atmospheric wear. Very special are the two original hanging holes, already installed in the moist clay before firing, which are still equipped with the decades-old, well-worn sisal cord. The plate does not bear a factory mark or stamp, which is completely typical for this type of export porcelain from this specific period.

Regarding condition, the plate is in good, structurally sound vintage condition with normal signs of aging. On the outer side of the scalloped rim there is one clear chip where the sand-colored, gritty body material is exposed. This honest damage testifies to the object's history and hardly diminishes the enormous decorative and historical value of this antique Japanese artwork.

Dimensions: 7 x 41 x 41 cm
Weight: 2,450 g