19th C. Japanese Transferware Plate – Willow Pattern

Meiji period (1868-1912) transferware plate. 
 
Dimensions: Approximately 9½” diameter.
Decoration:
The border is decorated with a diaper pattern and four cartouches.
 
Two cartouches include the image of a standing figure and two include the image of a figure on horseback. 
 
The center is decorated with a version of the Willow pattern very similar to Spode’s.
 
A plate of the same pattern, but with the traditional brown edge and “pie crust” rim, is described and illustrated by Alistair Seton in his book “Igezara Printed China” at p. 192.
 
The reverse is undecorated.
 
The piece is heavily potted, as is the case with Igezara wares, Japanese transferware of the Meiji era.
 
While his plate has neither the brown edge nor the “pie crust” rim typical of Izegara pieces, it exhibits all the features of Igezara ware.
 
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". 
 
On some pieces the border is plain and undecorated. While not technically Igezara because of the absence of the brown pie crust rim, they are decorated using the same transfer techniques and often the same patterns.
 
The pieces usually show kiln spurs where they rested on supports while being fired. Some have the mark of a specific kiln.
 
Reference: 
Seton, “Igezara, Printed China”.
Watanabe, “Igezara Museum”.
 
Condition: Minor firing flaw; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.