What is an Imari dish?

An Imari dish is a Japanese porcelain piece decorated in traditional iron-red, cobalt blue, and gold pigments. These items were produced for export and prized for their vibrant, ornate patterns. Such dishes often feature floral or avian motifs, making them striking additions to antique display cabinets and wall mounts.

How were charger plates used?

Charger plates served primarily as decorative bases during formal dining or as grand serving platters for communal food. Their larger diameter allowed them to sit beneath smaller course plates. In many historic homes, owners displayed these large plates on walls or dresser backs rather than using them for everyday dining.

What makes a scalloped edge?

A scalloped edge is formed by shaping the rim of a ceramic piece into a series of rhythmic, curved lobes or indentations. This technique requires careful manual trimming or specialised moulding before firing. The resulting profile adds a decorative, organic silhouette to plates, bowls, and chargers alike.

How do I date a ceramic dish?

Dating a ceramic dish involves examining the characteristics of the clay body, the formulation of the glaze, and the painting style. Stylistic markers often point toward specific periods like the Meiji era or the eighteenth century. Backstamps, where present, can also provide clues to the workshop or factory of origin, though many older pieces remain unmarked.