19th Century Japanese Arita Imari Porcelain Rectangular Trays - Set of Five

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A stunning matched set of five Japanese Arita Imari porcelain rectangular serving trays from the Late Edo–Early Meiji period, circa … Read more A stunning matched set of five Japanese Arita Imari porcelain rectangular serving trays from the Late Edo–Early Meiji period, circa 1850–1880. Each tray exemplifies the refined hand-painted aesthetic and technical mastery of mid-19th-century Japanese commercial porcelain production.

Design Details: Rectangular form with canted corners and low foot ring. The kinrande border is resplendent with alternating gold kikko-lattice panels, seigaiha wave-scale reserves in cobalt blue, and iron-red foliate roundels. Top and bottom borders feature charming oval cartouches scattered with insects and baskets in iron-red and gold.

The Central Motif: The heart of each tray is a hand-painted rounded-rectangular reserve outlined in iron-red and blue. Within it sits a graceful orthopteran insect—a katydid (kirigirisu)—perched upon a flowering botanical branch adorned with green leaves and a white camellia spray. The insect is rendered with remarkable precision in green, aubergine, gold, black, and iron-red enamels, showcasing the decorator's command of the palette.

Condition & Authenticity: Good overall. Surface wear and minor discoloration consistent with age; gilt shows expected wear from use and display. No chips or cracks on main surfaces. White metal handles appear to be later additions. Base unmarked save for a single underglaze blue concentric ring at the foot rim; unglazed foot shows iron-spot inclusions and kiln grit characteristic of Arita manufacture.

Dimensions: Approximately 2.5 in. H × 7 in. W × 4.5 in. D per tray.

A distinctive and collectible set celebrating the beauty of 19th-century Japanese decorative arts. See less