Pair of Antique Japanese Meiji Period Blue & White Porcelain Chargers — Crane & Calligraphy, Scalloped Rim, c.1880–1910

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A striking and cohesive pair of large Japanese blue and white porcelain chargers from the Meiji period (1868–1912), almost certainly … Read more A striking and cohesive pair of large Japanese blue and white porcelain chargers from the Meiji period (1868–1912), almost certainly produced in the Arita region kilns for the Western export market — the golden age of Japanese decorative porcelain.

The first charger depicts two cranes perched among windswept pine branches — one of the most auspicious motifs in East Asian decorative art, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. The cobalt brushwork is fluid, confident, and painterly, with exceptional feather and pine needle detail that places this well above standard export transfer ware. Blue floral decoration continues onto the reverse, a mark of higher quality production. The second charger features an intricate composition of circular medallions, scrolling foliate grounds, architectural landscape vignettes, and panels of Chinese calligraphy rendered in deep cobalt — layered patterning that draws on both Chinese and Japanese decorative traditions with a graphic density that rewards extended looking. An underglaze seal mark in a diamond cartouche appears on the reverse.

Both chargers share the same distinctive scalloped iron-red and amber rim — a hallmark finishing detail of Meiji period Arita export ware — and both display the warm bisque foot rim characteristic of period construction. A minor glaze imperfection is present on the reverse of the crane charger, consistent with period hand kiln production and not visible from the display side — a detail that speaks to authenticity rather than detracting from it.

Hung as a complementary pair these make an immediate statement — unified in palette and spirit, distinct in subject matter. A natural fit for a Chinoiserie interior, a collector’s gallery wall, or any space that calls for the depth and authority of genuine antique Asian porcelain.

Origin: Japan, Arita region
• Period: Meiji, circa 1880–1910
• Style: Chinoiserie, Asian Antique, Maximalist, Japandi
• Material: Hand painted porcelain with iron-red scalloped rim
• Mark: Underglaze seal mark in diamond cartouche on reverse (calligraphy charger)
• Reverse decoration: Blue floral motifs on crane charger reverse
• Sizes: Crane 12"d, Circles 11"D
• Condition: Very good antique condition; minor glaze firing imperfection on reverse of crane charger, consistent with period hand production, not visible from display side See less