Edo Period Ko-Imari Plate – Central Scene

Japanese porcelain plate, c. 1720.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 8⅜” diameter.
 
Decoration: 
The border is decorated with three panels of red and gold chrysanthemums separated by similar flowers on a dark blue ground.
 
The center is decorated with a scene of buildings and mountains dominated by a pine tree in the foreground. This is encircled by a decorative design.
 
Pieces like this with central scenes were intended for the export market.
 
The reverse is with three floral sprays and bears four kiln spurs.
 
This palette is known a three-color Imari, underglaze blue with overglaze red enamels and gilding, and is the earliest form of Ko-Imari decoration.
 
References:
Impey, “Japanese Export Porcelain”.
Jorg, “Fine & Curious, Japanese Export Porcelain in Dutch Collections”.
P.L.J. Arts, “Japanese Porcelain”,
Reichel, “Early Japanese Porcelain”.
Shimura, “The History of Imari, The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain”.
New Orleans Museum of Art, “Imari, Japanese Porcelain for European Palaces”.
The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, “Imari, Japanese Porcelain Exported to Europe”.
 
Condition: Minor rubbing to enamels and gilding; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.