What is a floral painted imari dish?

It is a decorative ceramic plate, bowl, or charger featuring traditional Imari patterns painted with floral and often bird motifs. These pieces typically display a characteristic palette of cobalt blue, iron red, and gold. Most examples found in trade date from the nineteenth century and the Meiji period, originating from Japanese kilns or European imitative potteries.

How were imari dishes used historically?

Larger chargers and scalloped plates were primarily utilised for display on walls, cabinets, or sideboards to showcase wealth and taste. Smaller bowls and plates served functional roles at table for serving food or display. The robust nature of porcelain and ironstone meant these items survived centuries of handling, transitioning from practical household goods into decorative collector items.

How do I identify a Meiji period piece?

Meiji period items date from eighteen sixty-eight to nineteen twelve, aligning with the reign of the Japanese Emperor Meiji. These ceramics often exhibit high technical skill in hand painted enamel and cobalt decoration. Look for characteristic Japanese Arita porcelain bodies combined with intricate floral, bird, and geometric patterns typical of this era.

Are English imari pieces different from Japanese ones?

English imari wares, produced by factories such as John Davenport or Hicks & Meigh during the Georgian and Regency periods, utilise ironstone or earthenware bodies rather than traditional Japanese porcelain. They imitate the distinctive blue, red, and gold Japanese colour scheme using European floral arrangements and shapes. These domestic interpretations provide a different material weight and texture while sharing the same overarching aesthetic inspiration.