Antique Meiji Period Imari Charger Featuring a Nanban Presentation of Black Ships and Portuguese Merchants and Sailors

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Nanban art is a Japanese artistic interpretation of Portuguese and later Dutch merchants whose carracks sailed from Europe to trade … Read more Nanban art is a Japanese artistic interpretation of Portuguese and later Dutch merchants whose carracks sailed from Europe to trade with the Japanese in the mid 15th into the 17th century. This charger here is a Nanban depiction of black ships and Portuguese merchants and sailors. Is is an Imari Charger or large plate from the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912.) The larger circular late features the traditional Imari color palette that includes iron red and turquoise. The painting is done with a bold, detailed hand painted design. The main feature that draws the eye to the center is a Western style sailing ship, often referred to the Black Ship, a Portuguese carrack painted black called a kurofune, an armed vessel. The sea around the ship is done in stylized green waves. Around the central medallion are red and turquoise decorative scrolls and floral elements, giving it a rich layered look. The border is especially striking, a green lattice/diamond pattern filled with small geometric squares , very typical of Imari and Kutani-style ornamentation. The geometric squares are painted in graduated sizes from large on the rim and smaller towards the center, drawing the viewer's eye to the middle. Spaced around the rim are 4 pairs of sailor like figures in black garb, four wearing tricon hats. Each pair is placed between cartouche panels of black ships and floral designs, balancing the composition. The palette is classic: iron red, green, turquoise, black and orange. The rim is done in gold. It is a highly decorative traditional Japanese-style plate, often used as a display charger.

This particular style of painting is called Namban or Southern barbarian painting is the Japanese interpretation of Portuguese figures and their famed painted black trading ships. This charger is of historical interest, and the rendition of the black ships showed the primitive style of the artist who took artistic license with his interpretation. The presentation of the figures are borderline caricatures. In addition, instead of sails on the masts, a brocade ribbon wands around the upright posts while floral baskets are placed on top. The charger could be interpreted as a satire, with two merchants in formal attire in black coats and top hats gleefully greeting each other in a happy floral decorated ship to sailors in high heeled boots. Whether or not my interpretation is accurate, the charger is still a beautifully painted ceramic art object. See less