It drives me crazy when I need to list an interesting item about which I know almost nothing! This is another of my finds at a south Chicago estate sale last fall, and I've been researching it ever since, with no luck. The shape, style, and design makes me think it is likely Meiji era (1868-1912), but it could well be older. It has a very hand-made feel--no two sides are quite the same size, and you can feel the edges of the glaze in the swirling design on the front. The underside of the rim also has a series of blue designs with lines (which I also haven't been able to figure out), which seem to be frequently associated with Imari, though I don't think of this style as Imari.

The plate measures 9 inches across the rim on its longest dimension, and 8.75 inches on its shortest. The thick foot ring is 5-3/8 inches. The plate is in fair condition, with several small chips, mainly on the rim corners. The chips are more visible on the underside; see the collage photo that shows 4 sides of the rim underedge. There is no sign of crazing or browning, and the amazing red, blue, orange, green, white, and black glaze is thick and intense.

 

If you have questions about this plate (or suggestions), please let me know.