Very large Arita blue and white transferware charger - Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Beautiful very large (40,0 x 4,5 cm) blue and white charger made during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in Japan, most probably in the Arita area.
The charger is decorated with a geometric pattern of stylised leaf and fruit structures with filled in between structures of spiralled clouds or waves. The edge of the plate is painted gold-brown, similar to Igezara porcelain, but without its characteristic knobs / ribs. The backside of the plate is decorated with three circles and three leaf and flower ornaments. The plate comes with a metal plate holder which seems to be about the same age as the plate. It can be used to hang the plate on a wall.
Condition: excellent, there are no damages, cracks, hairlines or restorations. There is very little wear to the glaze, which is has a beautiful deep gloss. Also on the edges there is little wear, also not from the metal wires of the plate holder. There is no crazing of the glaze. The plate has several stilt marks on it back (five in its centre and at least two on its footring). These are marks of the stilts the plate was resting upon when it was fired in the oven. These rather large marks are a characteristic feature of the plates from this period.
A very beautiful and impressive Meiji period transferware charger in great condition. Great to hang on a wall, but also great as a centrepiece on a table, or placed in a plate stand. The perspex plate stand that is featured in the photos will be included with the dish. The metal wire holder can easily be removed if required.
Origin: Japan, most probably from the Arita area
Age: between 1868 and 1912 (Meiji period)
Method of decoration: transfer print applied by hand, some additional handpainting (circles on the back, the brown edge)
Size: diameter 40,0 cm, depth 4,5 cm
Weight: 2,08 kg (including plate holder)
Additional pictures can be provided if required.
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About the Meiji period:
The Meiji period is a period in Japanese history that lasted from 1868 to 1912. At this time Japan began to open up towards the West and embrace Western ideas and technologies. The government implemented sweeping reforms in areas such as education, law, and the military, and encouraged Japanese businesses to adopt Western-style industrialization practices.
The Meiji period also saw the emergence of Japan as a major exporter of goods, particularly in the area of porcelain and ceramics. Japanese new class of well-educated business men and entrepreneurs participated in several world exhibitions during the Meiji period to showcase for example its own porcelain and ceramics, as well as to learn from the techniques and styles of other countries. In addition to showcasing their own porcelain and ceramics, Japanese artisans and manufacturers also used these exhibitions as an opportunity to study the techniques and styles of other countries, particularly Europe. This exchange of ideas and techniques helped to inform and shape the development of Japanese porcelain and ceramics during the Meiji period and beyond.
Source: https://gotheborg.com/glossary/meiji.shtml
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About the Arita area:
Arita is a city located in the western Saga prefecture in Kyushu. There are today more than 150 kilns active in the Arita region, many have been in operation for generations. Porcelain clay was first discovered in this area by the Korean potter Ri Sanpei in 1616 after which a stoneware and porcelain production started under the control by the feudal lord of Nabeshima. During the second half of the 17th century Arita became increasingly important, producing blue and white, Imari, and Kakiemon porcelain for export to Europe. These were transported to the port of Imari, shipped to the Dutch trading center at Nagasaki and thence to Europe. Wares included garnitures of large vases, covered urns and dishes, bowls, plates, ewers, figures, and animals.
Source: https://gotheborg.com/glossary/arita.shtml#X
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This plate will be carefully packed and send by tracked and insured mail.
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How should I take care of my Dutch ceramics?
First of all, don't let them fall! Always handle them in a mindful way and put them in spots where they cannot be accidentally bumped over when cleaning or vacuuming. Some people put some (clean) sand in vases to make them more stable.
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