Antique Japanese Kinran-De Square Porcelain Dishes, Set of Three

Details

Description

This refined set of three antique Japanese square porcelain dishes is decorated in the classic Kinran-de style, a gold-brocade technique … Read more This refined set of three antique Japanese square porcelain dishes is decorated in the classic Kinran-de style, a gold-brocade technique characterized by rich iron-red enamel and finely applied gilt. The combination of saturated color, metallic detailing, and crisp geometry gives these pieces a striking visual presence that feels both traditional and unexpectedly modern.

Square forms are relatively uncommon in Japanese porcelain, where circular and softly contoured shapes dominate. Here, the disciplined geometry provides a quiet counterpoint to the luxuriant surface decoration. Each dish is individually hand-painted with delicate gilt motifs over a deep red ground, while the interiors feature a softer, luminous glaze that balances the intensity of the exterior. Together, the set reads as cohesive without feeling repetitive.

Produced by a Kyoto workshop in the early twentieth century, these dishes reflect a moment when Japanese makers were blending long-established decorative traditions with bolder, more graphic forms. While originally intended for refined table use, they function beautifully today as decorative objects — displayed on open shelving, stacked on a console, or used individually to punctuate a vignette.

The set is unified in scale, palette, and decoration, making it especially appealing to collectors and designers seeking pieces with both cultural depth and strong visual rhythm.

Details

Origin: Japan

Period: Early 20th century

Material: Porcelain with iron-red enamel and gilt decoration

Technique: Kinran-de (gold-brocade style)

Condition: Excellent antique condition with light wear consistent with age; no chips, cracks, or repairs noted

Sold as a set of three

An elegant and increasingly hard-to-find example of Japanese Kinran-de porcelain, offering a compelling blend of craftsmanship, geometry, and decorative impact. See less