Imari Dish Charger Lobed Japan Iron Red Blue Green

Exceptional 18th century Imari lobed dish. The centre painted with a vase of flowers and a bonsai tree. Surrounded by a double circle border and three large vignettes of a fenced garden with trees and flowers and stylised floral vignettes interposed. The reverse with four double scroll repeats. Painted in tones of iron red, blue and green. In original condition. In exceptional condition with very little wear. Measures: diameter 31cm., 12 1/4", height 5cm., 2" Provenance : Private collection with two plates of similar quality

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.