Antique Japanese Imari Oval Serving Platter – Cranes & Blossom Cartouches

Bring the splendid beauty of a 19th-century Japanese courtyard into your interior with this distinctive, oval Imari serving platter. This generous piece, crafted in the historic kilns of Arita, immediately catches the eye with its unique square-oval shape and undulating scalloped edge. The central medallion depicts a classic vase filled with chrysanthemums and peonies, surrounded by dynamic panels in which graceful cranes (the Japanese symbol par excellence for a long and happy life) fly through iron-red skies. The deep, almost black cobalt blue areas and striking orange-red enamel paints give this piece fantastic visual depth.

Historical Context & Characteristic Features

This type of export porcelain was hugely popular in respected European homes in the late 19th century. While the front shines with opulence, the back displays typical Japanese modesty with hand-painted bamboo leaves (Take) and pine branches (Matsu) in flowing underglaze blue.

The underside of the platter tells the pure, artisanal story of its origin. Within the sturdy footring and in the glaze, you can see subtle firing flaws and small iron spots. These are the unmistakable 'fingerprints' of a traditional, wood-fired kiln from the Meiji period. It proves that this piece was shaped and fired by hand, long before the era of modern mass production.

Product Specifications

• Origin: Arita, Japan
• Type: Oval serving platter / Deep presentation platter
• Style: Imari / Arita porcelain
• Material: Porcelain with hand-painted underglaze blue, iron-red enamel and muffle gold
• Dimensions: Approx. 22.5 cm (length) x 15.5 cm (width) x 3.0 cm (height)
• Period: 19th century (Late Edo / Early Meiji period, ca. 1860–1880)
• Condition: In beautiful, well-loved antique condition. The painting on the front is beautifully bright and the accents have been very well preserved. The lower rim (footring/back) shows 3 old, characteristic chips (tiny flakes of glaze/porcelain). These are completely out of sight from the front and emphasize the authentic, antique character of this utilitarian object.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do the birds in the panels mean?
The birds in the red-and-white cartouches are stylized Japanese cranes (Tsuru). In Japanese mythology, the crane symbolizes good luck, fidelity and a long life (it was believed they could live for a thousand years). It is a highly popular motif on royal Imari porcelain.

Are the chips on the bottom distracting?
No, the three chips are located purely on the back/underside of the rim. As soon as the platter lies flat on the table or stands in a plate stand in the cabinet, they are completely invisible from the front. They simply bear witness to the decades during which this platter was actually used.

Why are there bamboo branches on the back?
Painting the back with bamboo and pine is a traditional Japanese signature. Bamboo represents flexibility and strength (it does not break in the storm), and the pine represents steadfastness in winter. Together they form a traditional wish for good fortune.