A striking pair of large Japanese Imari porcelain chargers, beautifully decorated with a lively scene depicting the Shichifukujin – the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, each figure symbolising happiness, prosperity, longevity and good fortune. These impressive chargers are finely hand painted against a rich iron-red ground, with the animated figures shown seated in conversation and celebration, accompanied by symbolic objects and birds in flight.The central scene is surrounded by a bold segmented border typical of high-quality Imari wares, incorporating alternating panels of stylised floral reserves, geometric diaper patterns and decorative motifs set against deep cobalt blue grounds. The palette of iron red, underglaze blue, turquoise enamels and delicate gilt highlights creates a wonderfully vibrant and decorative composition.Large chargers of this scale were produced primarily for the Western market during the late nineteenth century and were intended for wall display or cabinet p...