How were these metalwork plates displayed?

These decorative plates and chargers served primarily as ornamental display pieces within domestic interiors rather than tableware. Their substantial size and detailed pictorial subjects made them suitable for mounting on walls or resting on stands. Collectors in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries prized them for introducing vibrant colour and intricate Far Eastern artistry into European homes.

What motifs appear on these plates?

The surface designs frequently incorporate mythological creatures such as dragons and ho-o birds, alongside natural subjects like owls, ibis, koi, and Mount Fuji. Auspicious symbols also appear regularly within the enamel work or metal inlay. These subjects draw directly from Japanese and Chinese artistic traditions of the Meiji and export periods.

How do I identify a Meiji period piece?

Meiji period items generally date from 1868 to 1912, reflecting the reign of the Japanese emperor during an era of intense artistic output for export. They frequently employ detailed cloisonne enamel or mixed-metal inlay depicting traditional flora and fauna. Signatures or workshop marks occasionally appear on the reverse or base of these finer chargers and trays.

What is the difference between a tray and a charger?

Chargers are large, circular decorative plates designed specifically for visual impact and wall hanging or cabinet display. Trays often feature different geometries, such as square profiles, and were sometimes formed with raised rims for functional handling. Both categories utilise similar metalworking and enamelling techniques across the Victorian and Meiji eras.

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Oriental Metalwork Plate

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An oriental metalwork plate brings intricate craftsmanship and storied motifs from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries into a modern interior.