A magnificent antique late Meiji to Taisho era Japanese Imari (Arita) porcelain display charger. Exhibiting a monumental radiating wheel layout, the face is divided into alternating fan-shaped panels densely hand-painted with traditional geometric diaper work, stylized pine boughs, bamboo foliage, and wave patterns rendered in a rich underglaze cobalt blue and iron-red enamel palette. The entire surface is enriched with intricate, reflective gold gilt overlays, centering a striking floral medallion. The reverse features three hand-painted blue floral sprigs and five authentic kiln spur marks, complete with a vintage "Suita" gallery collection label.

Historical & Style Details

• Subject / Sitter / Source: Traditional Geometric and Botanical Radiating Umbrella Pattern
• Artist / Maker / Author: Unknown Arita Kiln Master
• Period: Early 20th Century (1900s–1940s)
• Origin: Japan
• Material / Technique: Hard-paste porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue, hand-painted overglaze polychrome enamels, and heavy hand-applied liquid gilding
• Materials: Fine porcelain, glaze, overglaze enamel, bright gold gilt
• Markings: Unmarked base; features 5 authentic structural kiln spur marks, a vintage paper gallery label, and a round "SUITA" collection sticker with a Torii gate emblem
• Decorative Details: Multi-paneled geometric borders, underglaze scrolling foliage on the reverse rim, and a multi-tiered central floral crest ring
• Colour & Surface: High-contrast palette of deep navy cobalt, brilliant iron-red, and soft salmon-pink accented by reflective bright gold highlights over a glassy white ground
• Condition: Exceptional antique condition; the heavy porcelain body is completely free of structural chips, cracks, hairline fractures, or glaze crazing; colors and gold leaf applications remain incredibly vibrant, crisp, and intact with only minuscule, expected shelf wear to the unglazed footrim base.
• Dimensions: 14.5” Diameter
• Seller's Note: Museum-quality Japanese export porcelain in immaculate, display-ready condition with visible kiln spur marks and a crisp ring.

History

Manufactured in the historic kilns of Arita and exported globally through the port of Imari, Japanese Imari porcelain achieved worldwide renown starting in the 17th century for its theatrical colors and complex symmetry. During the late Meiji and Taisho periods, master Japanese ceramicists revived these classical layouts to supply high-end Western art galleries and affluent estates. Prized today as pinnacle statements in Chinoiserie, Grandmillennial, and maximalist traditionalist interiors, these grand-scale chargers add immediate architectural history, sophisticated color depth, and old-world luxury to display hutches, plate rails, or formal dining rooms.