14" Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Charger – Takarabune Treasure Ship & Crane (Meiji Period, C. 1880–1910)

Details

Description

A magnificent and substantial 14-inch Japanese Imari porcelain charger featuring classic auspicious motifs in rich underglaze cobalt blue, vibrant iron-red … Read more A magnificent and substantial 14-inch Japanese Imari porcelain charger featuring classic auspicious motifs in rich underglaze cobalt blue, vibrant iron-red enamels, and delicate gold gilt accents. The central medallion depicts the legendary Takarabune (Treasure Ship) bearing the character 宝 (Takarabune / Treasure), laden with riches as it navigates cresting waves. Flying overhead is a red-crowned crane (Tsuru), while a long-tailed minogame turtle (Minogame) rests on the rocky shoreline—both revered Asian symbols of longevity, good fortune, and wisdom.
The broad rim features a beautifully lobed/scalloped edge decorated with intricate paneling of iron-red floral chrysanthemum repeat patterns, lattice cartouches, and gilded floral sprays. The underside displays hand-painted blue scrollwork/clouds surrounding an impressed seal mark near the foot rim.
With its impressive size and substantial weight, this statement piece is ideal as a centerpiece charger, display plate on a mantel or easel, or anchor piece in a fine East Asian ceramics collection.

Dating & Period Identification
This piece is attributed to the late Meiji Period (circa 1880–1910) based on several key authenticating features typical of late 19th and turn-of-the-century Japanese export porcelain:
1. Impressed Seal Mark (Katagaki): The underside of the charger features a vertical, rectangular impressed seal mark directly in the unglazed/glazed porcelain body inside double underglaze blue rings. Impressed factory/potter seal marks of this type are characteristic of Arita/Imari workshops from the late 19th through early 20th centuries.
2. Production Techniques & Palette: The combination of dense underglaze cobalt blue paired with hand-applied overglaze iron-red enamel and heavy gold leaf gilding reflects traditional Kinrande (gold-brocaded) Imari production techniques refined during the Meiji era for high-end international markets.
3. Potted Weight & Scale: The heavy, dense porcelain body with a faint blue-celadon tinged glaze, hand-cut scalloped foot ring, and subtle kiln pinholes on the reverse confirm authentic hand-potted late-19th-century manufacture rather than lightweight contemporary reproductions. See less