Dish - A Large Imari Porcelain Dish | Kangxi Period, Qing Dynasty, 1662–1722

Antique Imari Porcelain Plate with Cobalt Blue and Iron-Red Floral Decoration : An attractive porcelain plate decorated in the Imari palette of deep cobalt blue, iron red and orange-red against a luminous white ground. The composition combines a richly painted central floral medallion with an elaborate, compartmentalised border, creating a striking interplay of bold colour, fine linework and ornamental botanical motifs. The central medallion is filled with an abundant floral arrangement featuring a prominent chrysanthemum-like blossom surrounded by rounded blue flowers, smaller red-orange blooms, delicate buds and stylised foliage. Curving stems and elongated leaves connect the various elements, while contrasting washes of cobalt blue and finely outlined red details lend depth and visual complexity to the composition. The broad, decorative rim is arranged in alternating blue panels and white reserves. The blue sections are enriched with red and white floral medallions, while the white reserves contain flowering branches, chrysanthemums and stylised botanical ornament. Fine red hatching, carefully articulated petals and expressive cobalt brushwork contribute to the intricate character of the decoration. The reverse is decorated with two small floral sprays in cobalt blue and iron red, extending the ornamental treatment beyond the principal display surface. The underside has a pale, slightly bluish-white glaze and a circular unglazed foot ring showing a beige surface, irregularities and brownish marks associated with the visible firing surface and wear. The combination of cobalt blue, iron red and white, together with the dense floral medallion and segmented ornamental border, places the plate within the decorative vocabulary of Imari porcelain. The Imari tradition originated in Japanese porcelain production at Arita and became highly influential in the international export trade. Chinese kilns subsequently produced their own Imari-decorated wares, making a precise distinction between Japanese and Chinese examples dependent on close examination of the porcelain body, glaze, enamels, foot ring and firing characteristics. The plate is therefore described as Imari porcelain, while its precise place of manufacture and date remain subject to specialist confirmation. A Japanese Arita origin is a possibility, but Chinese export production cannot be excluded from the photographs alone. No confirmed reign mark or maker’s mark is visible. Object details * Object: Porcelain plate * Decorative tradition: Imari * Decoration: Central floral medallion with elaborate floral border * Colours: Cobalt blue, iron red, orange-red and white * Reverse: Two small floral sprays * Possible origin: Japan or China * Date: To be determined * Mark: No visible mark in the photographs provided * Dimensions: To be supplied * Condition: Visible surface irregularities and brownish marks are present on the reverse and around the unglazed foot ring. The presence or absence of chips, hairlines, restorations and other damage should be verified by direct inspection. A decorative example of the Imari porcelain tradition, notable for its vivid colour contrasts, densely painted floral composition and complementary decoration to the reverse. Please examine all photographs carefully for further details of the decoration and condition.

Estimate:£0.83

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