Late Edo Period Large Blue Imari Charger

Japanese porcelain charger, c. 1820.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 18” diameter.
 
Decoration: 
The edge is gilded.
 
The border is decorated with a diaper band.
 
The body is decorated in blue with a fine gold octopus arabesque (“tako-karakusa”) and diaper pattern.
 
There are eight panels of alternating designs. One design depicts a pine tree and the others are of diaper patterns. Each panel is bordered in iron red and gold.
 
In the center is a cartouche within which is a blue and gilt symbol of what may be a fan and feathers.
 
The reverse is decorated with a blue octopus arabesque design and three blue lines surrounding the foot.
 
The base bears four kiln spurs and an apocryphal Chenghua mark. There is a blue line at the footrim.
 
References:
P.L.J. Arts, “Japanese Porcelain”.
Reichel, “Early Japanese Porcelain”.
Shimura, “The History of Imari, The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain”.
The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, “Complete Catalog of Shibata Collection”.
 
Condition: Minor gilding losses and glaze flaws, a glaze hairline on the reverse of the rim; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.
 
Please note: This is a large and heavy item to ship.