Japanese Imari Charger Circa 1900.

Japanese Imari Charger Plate circa. 1900

D 30cm

Imari porcelain is the name for Japanese porcelain wares made in the town of Arita, in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyūshū. They were exported to Europe extensively from the port of Imari, Saga, between the second half of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century. Imari or Arita porcelain has been continuously produced up through the present day.

Typically the colours used are cobalt blue with red and gold. While subject matter is varied with foliage and flowers, people, genre scenes and pattern.  Most designs are uniquely Japanese owing to the rich Japanese tradition of paintings and costume design. The porcelain has a gritty texture on the bases, where it is not covered by glaze. There is also blue and white Imari.