19th C. Japanese Igezara Transferware Polychrome Plate – “Peonies on Blue Wave”

Meiji period (1868-1912) transferware plate. 
 
Dimensions: Approximately 6½” diameter.
 
Decoration:
The molded rim is edged with the typical brown band.
 
The center is decorated with polychrome peonies and gilt and red flowers resting on a blue band with wave-like decoration.
 
A plate with the underlying blue pattern, but slightly different polychrome decoration is pattern is described and illustrated by Keigo Watanabe in his book “Igezara Museum” at p. 53.
 
The reverse of the rim is undecorated. 
 
The base bears a Shiroiwa kiln mark.
 
“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.
 
The polychrome decoration and gilding is applied under the glaze to make for a more durable in keeping with the intention to make these pieces durable for everyday use.
 
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 like this example 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.
 
Igezara pieces 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". 
 
References: 
Seton, “Igezara, Printed China”.
Watanabe, “Igezara Museum”.
 
Condition: Manufacturing color glaze run on front; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.