Plate Lobed Imari Japanese Iron Red Blue Dragon Trellis

A charming 18th century Imari lobed plate with dragon ornamentation. Beautifully painted with a vase and profusion of flowers surrounded by a double circle border. The outer border with elaborate vignettes with dragon heads, flowers and trellis work. The reverse with four repeats of scroll and ribbon motifs. Painted in tones of iron red and blue. Old stapled repair to a break. Measures: diameter 22cm., 8 1/2" height 3.5cm., 1 1/2" Provenance : Private collection with a dish and a plate of similar quality

Imari is the European name for Japanese porcelain wares made in the town of Arita and exported from the port of Imari, in Western Japan. The dynastic change and the instability of China in the mid-17th century created a gap in the porcelain market, which became increasingly international throughout the century. Arita developed into a prominent centre for porcelain due to its proximity to Izumiyama, an area rich in kaolin. Although the Arita kilns initially produced Korean-influenced blue and white pottery - known as Early Imari -, typical Imari ware is richly patterned in iron red and underglaze blue and is often lavishly painted. Many of its designs were inspired by Japanese textiles. Made mostly for export to the West, Imari ware was also imitated by Chinese and European potters.