Japanese Imari 1740 Plates

Japanese Imari Lobed Charger, circa 1740.

A striking Imari lobed plate with simple, bold ornamentation indicating it is an early piece. The centre with three stylised bonsai evoking the quality of reflection surrounded by a trellis and flowerhead border. The rim with eight vignettes of two repeating flowerhead and berry ornamentation. The reverse with three repeats of stylised buds. Painted in tones of red oxide, blue and green.

Original condition.

Imari is the European name for Japanese porcelain wares made in the town of Arita and exported from the port of Imari, in Western Japan. The dynastic change and the instability of China in the mid-17th century created a gap in the porcelain market, which became increasingly international throughout the century.

Arita developed into a prominent centre for porcelain due to its proximity to Izumiyama, an area rich in kaolin. Although the Arita kilns initially produced Korean-influenced blue and white pottery – known as Early Imari –, typical Imari ware is richly patterned in iron red and underglaze blue and is often lavishly painted. Many of its designs were inspired by Japanese textiles.

Made mostly for export to the West, Imari ware was also imitated by Chinese and European potters.

Dimensions