Produced in Japan in the first half of the Edo Period these plates date to between 1690 and 1710. The dishes have a rare and unusual decoration of Thistles (Azami) and wheat ears (Komugi no ho) as well as the more known " Imari" motifs of Flowers in Vases and Peonies. In traditional Japanese culture both thistles and wheat ears serve as symbols of resilience, independence and the passing of the seasons.
This type of decoration, known as "Imari " ware, was made in late 17th to early 18th-century Japan for export to
Europe. The areas of dark blue were achieved by painting with cobalt oxide
under a clear glaze and firing to a high temperature in a reducing atmosphere -
one in which the kiln is starved of oxygen so that the burning fuel draws
chemically bonded oxygen from the reactive parts of the ceramic material,
leaving them in a reduced state and changing their colour. The gold, red and
other enamel colours were applied and fused on in subsequent, low-temperature
firings.
The dishes were made in the kilns of the Arita region, not produced in Imari. The term Imari comes from the name of the port, Imari, in western
Japan through which this and other products of the nearby Arita kilns were
shipped. Porcelains for export were sent to Nagasaki and then shipped abroad by
Chinese and Dutch merchants, the Dutch, who were based on the island of Dejima,
being the only Europeans permitted to conduct trade in Japan at this time.
These Imari wares undertook a great journey to arrive in Europe at this time and were extremely expensive and sort after.
This pair of plates is a wonderful example of a pair of over 300 year old dishes. Very Fine quality with the more elaborate scalloped and ribbed form and the rare and unusual design.
Dimensions: Diameter 22cm (just under 9 inches)
Please Note : The antique oriental plate stands are not included but can be purchased separately if required. Contact me if you are interested
Dish will be sent extremely well packed.
International buyers welcome
Part of the Conception Classique range of Japanese Edo ceramics