Imari ware is Japanese porcelain decorated in distinctive palettes of blue, red, and gold. It was produced for both domestic use and international export. The style originates from the town of Arita and was shipped through the port of Imari, giving the ceramics their enduring name.

How were these pieces used?

These ceramics served primarily as decorative items for display in nineteenth-century homes. Plates, chargers, and bowls were shown on surfaces or hung on walls. Vases and garnitures adorned mantelpieces and cabinets, bringing Japanese export aesthetics into Western interiors.

How do I date meiji period items?

Dating relies on stylistic markers, historical production periods, and recorded manufacture dates associated with the Meiji era. The reign spanned from eighteen sixty-eight to nineteen twelve. Items from this timeframe often reflect the surge in Japanese export manufacturing aimed at Western collectors during the late nineteenth century.

What shapes are available?

The inventory includes decorative plates, bowls, chargers, and vases with various edge treatments. Many plates feature scalloped or square contours. Other forms include hexagonal bowls, bottle-shaped vases, and biscuit barrels, providing a wide variety of display options.