Japanese Arita Ware Kinran-de Imari Porcelain Plate

Edo period, early 18th century (c. 1720), Arita, Hizen Province, Japan.

Magnificent, high quality kinran-de Imari plate, with gently flared rim and wavy scalloped edge, finely hand painted in underglaze blue & iron red with gilt highlights, the center with a flower bouquet with red petals and blue & gold leaves, the broad borders with flowergroups. Imari ware (Imari-yaki) is a European term for a brightly-coloured style of Arita ware.

Arita ware (Arita-yaki) is a broad term for Japanese porcelain made in the area around the town of Arita, in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyūshū. The Imari name is derived from the port of Imari, Saga, where this porcelain was shipped to Nagasaki. In Nagasaki the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, VOC) and the Chinese had trading outposts where the porcelain was sold and exported. In the West the richly decorated, iron red and underglaze cobalt blue enamelled, and often lavishly gilded wares became known as "Imari ware". Many of its pattern were inspired by traditional Japanese textiles. The design was so successful that Imari ware was also imitated by Chinese and European producers. Sometimes the different overglaze styles (iroe), of Kakiemon and Kutani ware are also grouped under Imari ware. The blue and white designs were known as "Arita ware", in reality all forms were often produced at the same kilns. The kinran-de style of Imari ware gained immense popularity as export items between the 18th and 19th centuries. Large vases, bottles, bowls and plate sets were crafted especially for European aristocrats and royalty.

Excellent condition. Intact. No damages, chip or nicks. Age-related light wear. Slightly faded gilt highlights. Size approx. 22,0cm x 22,0cm x 4,0cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection

References and further reading:

Japanese Art from the Gerry Collection in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Barbara Brennan Ford & Oliver R. Impey, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1989. 

Edo-Period Japanese Porcelain, Anna Willmann, In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, April 2011. (https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jpor/hd_jpor.htm)

Japanese Ceramics: A Brief History, Henry Trubner, Seattle Art Museum, Ceramic Art of Japan, 1972.