Pair of Meiji Period Imari Shell Dishes

Japanese export porcelain molded shell-shaped dishes, c. 1880.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 9 ¼” x 8 ¼”
 
Decoration:
The body is molded in a shell shape. This shape is generally described as kai-gata (shelled-shaped), but more specifically as awabi-gata (abalone-shaped).
 
It is decorated in a brocade pattern of square panels, each enclosing a green and blue stylized floret outlined in gold. This is often described as nishikide (brocade). 
 
There is the central motif of pine, plum, and bamboo, accompanied by red-berried nanten, or sacred bamboo, branches, creating the auspicious shōchikubai motif.
 
At the lower edge is a green and gilt scroll decorated with gilt karakusa vines.
 
The reverse is decorated with pine sprigs.
 
Meiji period (1868 – 1912) polychrome Imari pieces were predominantly made for export as were the polychrome Imari pieces of the 18th century (“ko-Imari”). Production of the latter diminished mid-century as the style went out of fashion in Europe.
 
Due to the interest in Japanese ceramics spurred by international exhibitions in the 1860’s and 1870’s, polychrome Imari ceramics again became fashionable in Europe as well as the United States and remained so throughout the 19th century. 
 
Meiji period examples can use a broader range of colors, reflecting the development of new enamels, as well as modified or new shapes that appealed to Western tastes of the time. 
 
References:
Jahn, “Meiji Ceramics”.
Schiffer, Japanese Porcelain 1800- 1950.
 
Condition: Minor losses to gilding; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.