Monumental Japanese Imari Charger With Phoenix & Floral Reserves, Late Edo 19th

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Monumental Japanese Imari Charger with Phoenix and Floral Reserves, Late Edo–Meiji, 19th Century

A richly enameled and gilded Imari porcelain … Read more Monumental Japanese Imari Charger with Phoenix and Floral Reserves, Late Edo–Meiji, 19th Century

A richly enameled and gilded Imari porcelain charger of impressive scale (diameter 18.375 in.), conceived in the kinrande palette of underglaze cobalt blue heightened with iron-red, aubergine, mint green and lavish gold. The composition radiates from a central roundel of peony and karakusa scrolls, encircled by a diapered cobalt band and four ogee-shaped panels. Each reserve is filled with paired hō-ō (phoenix) birds amid filigreed brocade motifs, their plumage picked out in iron-red and burnished gilt. Between the panels, asymmetrical landscape vignettes unfurl: trellised pavilions, auspicious tasselled instruments and blossoming prunus cascade across a pale celadon ground, evoking the opulence of textile patterns translated to porcelain.

A narrow cobalt cavetto with spiraling wave and key-fret accents frames the field, while the reverse displays six spaced sprays of chrysanthemum and scrolling tendrils painted in underglaze blue with soft iron-red washes—classic Imari back decoration that balances the exuberant face. The broad footrim and generous well underscore the plate’s ceremonial intention, suitable for display in a tokonoma or as a centerpiece during festive occasions. A superb example of late Edo/early Meiji Japanese export artistry, marrying courtly symbolism (phoenix and peony) with the saturated color and gilt that define high Imari wares. See less