19th C. Japanese Igezara Transferware Plate – Chinese Poems
Meiji period (1868-1912) transferware plate.
Dimensions: Approximately 10⅞” diameter.
Decoration:
The molded rim is edged with the typical brown band.
The body is decorated with an overall geometric design and a central medallion.
There are six cartouches: three with images of trees and three containing four line Chinese poems.
This is pattern is described and illustrated by Alistair Seton in his book “Igezara Printed China” at p. 75 as “Poems and shochikubai”.
The reverse has a faint kiln mark and bears the impression of a kiln spur.
The piece is heavily potted, as is the case with Igezara wares.
“Igezara" is a term applied to heavy, durable, everyday porcelain ware produced in Japan from near the end of the Edo Period (mid to late 1800's) until the early Taisho Period (early 1900's).
Unlike fine hand painted porcelain, like Imari and Kutani, Igezara pieces are transferware. They were produced by transferring designs initially created on copper plates, similar to transferware that was produced in Staffordshire England at the beginning of the 19th century.
Like English transferware, Izegara wares came into being at a time of industrialization, when a broad portion of the population desired attractive ceramics the design of which was influenced by more expensive porcelain.
Most Igezara wares are blue and white, although some have polychrome elements. Often the reverse of the rim bears decorative patterns.
The designs vary widely. Most include traditional Japanese elements like flowers, trees, or birds. Many incorporate geometric patterns.
The pieces typically have a brown edge around a rim that has “pie crust” ridges molded into it. These elements give the transferware its name, which comes from two Japanese words: "Ige" meaning "notch or thorn", referring to the pie-like indentations found around the rim, and "Zara" or "sara" meaning "plate".
Reference:
Seton, “Igezara, Printed China”.
Condition: In excellent condition consistent with age and usage.