Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Japanese Kutani Porcelain Platter to the 19th Century.
The surface blooms with magnificent peony flowers, a traditional Japanese symbol of wealth, prosperity, and nobility. Large buds tightly intertwine with graceful foliage, creating an incredibly dynamic and lively design. The palette is striking in its depth, utilising contrasting shades of deep blue, iron-red, turquoise, and delicate pink. The rim of the tray is framed by a complex ornament that masterfully imitates the texture of expensive silk brocade, while the exterior is delicately decorated with a classic natural motif of trailing grapevines.
The secret to such expressiveness lies in the highly complex execution technique. The flowers are crafted in the relief moriage manner: the petals are literally sculpted from overglaze enamels, creating a three-dimensional effect and a pleasant tactile texture. The master flawlessly controlled each layer so that the enamel would not run during firing. All free space is filled with a solid wash of matte gold in the Kinrande style. This required a huge expenditure of precious materials and an additional low-temperature firing. The surface is covered with a clear glaze featuring a deep, naturally formed network of crazing. Over many decades, the dust of time has organically penetrated these micro-cracks, which is undeniable proof of its authentic age.
The object is a massive rectangular tray made of heavy, dense earthenware of a greyish-sand hue. The difference in the height of the rims (5.5 cm on one side and 5.2 cm on the other) is direct physical proof of the completely hand-potted nature of the item. This natural deformation occurred as a result of the shrinkage of the heavy clay mass during firing in a traditional kiln. On the bottom, two marks from the refractory firing supports (spurs) are clearly visible, as well as a microscopic production firing fissure. This tiny fissure formed during the cooling process and is a characteristic technological marker of antique ceramics, not an acquired defect or damage.
The base of the piece bears five characters applied in iron-red overglaze enamel: Dai Nihon Kutani Zo (Great Japan, made in Kutani). This export mark unmistakably dates the item to the Meiji era (late 19th century, approximately 1890–1910). Stylistically and technologically, the piece is a brilliant example of the development of the traditions of the outstanding master Kutani Shoza (1816–1883), who first integrated polychrome enamels with rich gilding. Although the tray lacks an individual seal or signature of a specific author, the highest class of work indicates that it was created by a circle of Master Shoza’s followers in one of the leading workshops in the Kanazawa or Terai area (Ishikawa Prefecture). These centres housed specialised artels of highly qualified enamel artists capable of realising such technically complex, multi-layered, and labour-intensive projects.
The tray stands out for its impressive dimensions, with a length of 30.8 cm and a width of 22.4 cm, and a significant weight of 1722 grams. Thanks to such dimensions and its luxurious golden glow, it will become not just a museum rarity, but a dominant, status-defining accent in the décor of any refined interior.
The investment appeal of such works of art is steadily growing today. Unique pieces created entirely by hand by true masters, rather than in faceless mass production, become rarer and more expensive every year. The Western antique market is currently experiencing an acute shortage of authentic masterpieces. This is directly related to the powerful Japanese Sato-gaeri movement, the process of returning national art to its homeland. Japanese collectors are purposefully buying up high-class items from the Mei
Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Japanese Kutani Porcelain Platter to the 19th Century.
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Antique Meiji Japanese Kutani Peony Gold Platter, Shoza Style
