Japanese Imari Plate : A Timeless Piece of Art and Culture

by Japanfood Team February 5, 2023

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A Japanese Imari plate is a type of porcelain produced in the town of Imari, Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). Imari plates are characterized by their intricate designs featuring landscapes, birds, and flowers, and are typically blue and white or multi-colored. They are highly prized by collectors for their beauty and historical significance, and can be valuable due to their scarcity and age.

Japanese Imari plate origin

A Japanese Imari plate is a type of decorative ceramic plate that originated in the town of Imari, in the former Hizen Province, Japan. Imari ware is known for its distinctive blue and white color scheme and intricate designs, often featuring scenes from nature, landscapes, and figures. Imari plates are valued for their beauty and cultural significance and are often used as decorative pieces or for serving food.

Japanese Imari Plate timeline

Imari is a style of Japanese porcelain, named after the port of Imari in Japan, where the porcelain was first exported to Europe. Imari plates are characterized by their blue and white or polychrome decoration, often featuring motifs of flowers, birds, and landscapes. Imari wares were highly sought after in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and played an important role in the development of European porcelain.

Imari plates were initially exported from Japan to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, where they were highly sought after and influenced the production of other porcelain styles. Today, Imari plates are still highly valued and sought after by collectors, and can be found in museums and private collections around the world. However, due to the popularity of Imari plates, there are also many reproductions and imitations on the market, so it is important to have a good understanding of the characteristics of genuine Imari plates before making a purchase.

Is Japanese Imari valuable

It depends on several factors such as the age, condition, rarity, and historical significance of the Imari piece. Some antique Imari pieces can be valuable due to their rarity and historical significance. However, it is difficult to determine the value of Imari without seeing the piece in question and taking into account all relevant factors. An appraiser or specialist in Japanese ceramics would be better equipped to determine the value of a specific piece of Imari.

How old is Imari porcelain?

Imari porcelain is a type of Japanese porcelain that dates back to the 17th century. It was produced in the town of Arita in the Hizen region of Japan and became popular in Europe during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

How do you identify antique Japanese Imari?

To identify antique Imari porcelain, you can look for the following characteristics:

Markings: Imari porcelain often has Japanese characters or symbols marked on the bottom.
Design: Imari porcelain is known for its bold, colorful designs featuring flowers, landscapes, and birds. Look for these patterns and check if they match typical Imari designs.
Color: Imari porcelain has a distinct color palette, featuring blue, red, and gold. These colors are usually applied in an underglaze and are a key identifier of Imari porcelain.
Age: Antique Imari porcelain will show signs of age and wear, such as scratches, chips, or discoloration.
Craftsmanship: Look for signs of high-quality craftsmanship, such as fine details in the design and smooth glazing.

Keep in mind that it can be difficult to determine the authenticity of Imari porcelain without expert evaluation, as there are many imitations and replicas on the market. If you’re unsure, consider consulting a professional antiques appraiser.

In conclusion, the Japanese Imari plate is a beautiful and historically significant piece of porcelain that is highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs of fine art. Whether displayed on a wall or used in a traditional tea ceremony, Imari plates are a stunning representation of the artistry and cultural heritage of Japan.