How were these decorative plates displayed historically?

These items served primarily as decorative chargers in domestic interiors, positioned on tables or mounted for visual impact. Their substantial scale and intricate pictorial themes made them centrepieces within reception rooms.

What subjects appear on these pieces?

Common motifs include birds such as ibises, leaping koi, dragons, and botanical studies like chrysanthemums and bamboo. Some examples also incorporate cultural figures and auspicious symbols executed in coloured enamels.

How do I distinguish Edo period pieces from Meiji period works?

Edo period items often date from the mid-nineteenth century and tend to exhibit specific early characteristics in palette and scale. Meiji period examples span the later decades, showing shifts in workshop production and stylistic detail.

Are these items made of solid copper?

The foundation typically consists of copper, brass, or bronze, providing a stable metallic base for the enamel layers. Alternative substrates like porcelain also appear in specialised Totai Shippo variations.