Platter - Earthenware - Imari / Arita bowl

Large Japanese Imari / Arita platter – Meiji period – hand-painted porcelain – diameter 31.5 cm

Impressive large Japanese porcelain decorative plate with a diameter of no less than 31.5 cm, richly hand-painted in the characteristic polychrome Imari/Arita tradition. Based on shape, decoration and execution, this example stylistically fits well within the Meiji period, probably late 19th century, circa 1880–1900. Similar Japanese Arita/Imari plates from this period occur with the same serrated rim, radial segment division and a combination of underglaze blue with later applied colored overglaze enamel decoration.

The plate has a beautifully serrated and slightly wavy edge. The center is dominated by a strong depiction of a blooming tree and flowers in a blue jardinière. Around it lies a richly built decoration of fan-shaped compartments, floral motifs and stylized cartouches.

The colors are exceptionally vivid: deep cobalt blue, iron red/orange, soft green and turquoise against a clear white porcelain ground. The brushwork and small variations in motifs give the overall piece the appealing character of hand-painted porcelain.

The term Imari historically refers to the Japanese port from which porcelain produced at, among other places, the Arita production center was shipped. From the 17th century onward, Arita developed into an important center of Japanese porcelain production; the combination of underglaze cobalt blue with later applied colored enamel decoration became a defining feature of this tradition.

The back is also neatly finished with blue concentric lines and four hand-painted blue motifs. There is no clearly readable factory or maker’s mark, so attribution to a specific workshop cannot be deemed reliable.

Due to its generous size of 31.5 cm, this is a striking decorative object, suitable as a wall plate, on a stand, in a display cabinet, or as a focal point within a collection of Japanese porcelain.

Features
- Origin: Japan
- Production region/style: Arita / Imari
- Period: probably Meiji period, circa 1880–1900
- Material: porcelain
- Decoration: hand-painted
- Colors: cobalt blue, iron red/orange, green, turquoise and white
- Central motif: blooming tree and flowers in jardinière
- Surrounding floral and geometric panel decorations
- Beautiful serrated edge
- Back also with underglaze blue decoration
- Unmarked
- Diameter: 31.5 cm

Condition
Beautiful antique condition with age- and use-related marks appropriate for its age. At the back, in the central area, there is a fine hairline crack. This is visible only at the rear and not on the decorated front. In addition, there are small kiln and glaze irregularities, light scratches and localized signs of wear, as expected with handmade antique porcelain.

Wear consistent with use as shown in photos. The photos form an important part of the condition description.

A very decorative and substantial Japanese plate that, due to its size, serrated form and exuberant hand-painted decoration, immediately draws attention.

Dimensions
Height: 5 cm
Diameter: 31.5 cm

The photos provide a clear impression of the quality and are part of the description. The interior photos have been AI-generated and are intended solely to illustrate the object in a living environment.

The lot will be well packed and shipped with tracking. Shipping costs include packing materials and transport. Not shipped outside the European postal area. Pickup is only possible when the bid exceeds €50 and, of course, by appointment during office hours.

Japanese Imari plate, Imari charger, Japanese Imari charger, Arita porcelain, Arita porcelain, Meiji period, Meiji porcelain, 19th century Japanese porcelain, Japan circa 1890, antique Japanese porcelain, large decorative plate, 31.5 cm charger, scalloped Imari plate, serrated plate, hand painted porcelain, hand-painted porcelain, cobalt blue iron red, polychrome Imari, Japanese ceramics, oriental porcelain, Asian antiques, Japanese decorative arts, antique charger, floral Imari plate, jardiniere motif, collector porcelain.