What is an Imari charger?

An Imari charger is a large decorative plate originating from Japan, characterised by rich hand-painted floral and bird designs in blue, red and gold. These pieces were produced in large numbers during the nineteenth century and exported widely to Europe and Britain.

How were large chargers displayed?

Large chargers were traditionally hung on walls or stood on sideboards in dining rooms and entrance halls for visual impact. Their substantial diameter and colourful painted surfaces made them ideal focal points for interior decoration.

How do I tell nineteenth century pieces apart?

Nineteenth century pieces vary by origin, distinguishing Japanese export porcelain from English ironstone and French soft-paste wares through paste weight and pigment style. Examining the foot ring, glaze texture and brushwork technique helps identify the specific manufacturing tradition.

Can I use these chargers for dining?

These pieces function primarily as cabinet plates and wall plates rather than functional tableware for daily meals. Using them for display protects the delicate enamel paints, gold leaf and historic ceramic bodies from damage.