Feature for November, 1998

SMALL IMARI

picture of feature

The first blue & white Imari porcelain was made in the early 17th century by a Korean potter that was brought to Japan as a prisoner of war. After 1650, polychrome porcelain techniques were developed and porcelain was produced under the guidance of the fe udal lord of Hizen. At that time, porcelain was expensive and therefore considered a luxury item. Most items were made to order for feudal lords and wealthy merchants and given away as gifts. The porcelain was shipped from the port of Imari, located on th e southern island of Kyushyu. Today the porcelain bears the name of this port.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Imari was manufactured for European trading companies. These pieces were made to the companies' specifications and sold as gift items among the royalty and aristocracy of Europe. At that time Imari imitations were produ ced in both China and Europe.

In Japan, Imari has only become popular among the general population in the last hundred to hundred and fifty years. Still, the porcelain is not meant for every day use. Rather, the pieces are stored in boxes of twenty, forty or sixty. The Imari is brough t out only for special occasions, such as weddings, funerals, and festivals, and to entertain guests.

Nowadays, there are many different types of Imari. In this month's feature we introduce only small colored Imari. We have chosen only delicately hand painted pieces. All items are over one hundred years old. We suggest these items as a holiday gift for fr iends and family. We have many more similar items in stock - if you are interested any type of Imari, please contact us.

Prices are quoted at the beginning of the feature month. We reserve the right to change prices at any time. Please note that we do not update this page to reflect availability of items. If you are interested in purchasing any items, please contact Harumi Antiques.

To see a larger image of each piece, click on the image (~100K).

picture in a new window 1) Octagonal plate
  • Octagonal plates of this size are very rare. The design in the center is a collection of treasures. The back of the plate has a blue vine and red flower design.
  • 9 ½" x 1 ¼" (h)
  • ca.1850
  • ¥ 40,000 ($472), s/h ¥ 4,000 ($34)
picture in a new window 2) Fluted plate
  • Red and gold cherry blossoms and birds of paradise are painted on a soft blue underglaze. A dragon is depicted in center.
  • 9 ½" x 1 ¼" (h)
  • ca. 1830
  • ¥ 30,000($354), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 3) Plate
  • Blue and red swirl design with thin delicate gold brush paintings over the swirl.
  • 9 ½" x 1 ¼" (h)
  • ca. 1880
  • ¥ 19,000($160), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 4) Square dish
  • Classic Japanese drums with stream design.
  • 5 ¾" x 1 ¼" (h)
  • ca.1850
  • ¥ 18,000($152), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 5) Fluted square dish
  • Typical Imari blue and red divided design.
  • 5" x 1 ¼" (h)
  • ca. 1880
  • ¥ 10,000($85), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 6) Fluted oval dish
  • Turquoise glaze with a red dragon design in the center.
  • 7" x 4 ¾" x 1 ¾"
  • ca.1850
  • ¥ 15,000($127), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 7) Diamond dish
  • Classical Japanese fence with chrysanthemum and bamboo, in the center.
  • 7" x 5 ½" x 1 ¼"
  • ca.1860
  • ¥ 12,000($102), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 8) Diamond dish
  • Pine, plum and bamboo design painted in gold, in the center. The pine, plum and bamboo (Shyou-chiku-bai) combination represents luck.
  • 7" x 5 ½" x 1 ¼"
  • ca.1850
  • ¥ 11,000($93), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 9) Fluted salad bowl
  • Very old design with subtle color combinations and gold.
  • 6" x 2"
  • ca.1830
  • 15,000($128), s/h 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 10) Fluted salad bowl
  • Divided windows with two birds in each section.
  • 6" x 2"
  • ca, 1850
  • ¥ 14,000($119), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 11) Fluted salad bowl
  • Old detailed design.
  • 6" x 2"
  • ca.1820
  • ¥ 20,000($169), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 12) Fluted salad bowl
  • Paintings over different shades of green glaze.
  • 6" x 2"
  • ca.1830
  • ¥ 14,000($119), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 13) Rectangular dish
  • Design is divided into two triangles. Pine, bamboo and plum as the main design. The pine, plum and bamboo (Shyou-chiku-bai) combination represents luck.
  • 6 ¼" x 2 "
  • ca.1850
  • ¥ 15,000($127), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 14) Bowl with unusual shape
  • Signed Hichozan (one of the Imari kilns).
  • 5" x 3"
  • ca.1860
  • ¥ 20,000($169), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 15) Fluted bowl
  • The same designs are painted both inside and outside the bowl.
  • 5 ½" x 2 ½"
  • ca, 1850
  • ¥ 19,000($161), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 16) Fluted bowl
  • The same designs are painted both inside and outside the bowl.
  • 5" x 2"
  • ca. 1850
  • ¥ 15,000($136), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 17) Fluted soba cup
  • Pine, bamboo and plum design in each window. The pine, plum and bamboo (Shyou-chiku-bai) combination represents luck.
  • 3 ½" x 3"
  • ca. 1860
  • ¥ 10,000($85), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 18) Fluted soba cup
  • Blue glaze with blue dragon design on the inside.
  • 3 ¾" x 3"
  • ca. 1830
  • ¥ 16,000($136), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 19) Fluted square soba cup
  • Four divided windows, and blue iris in the center.
  • 3 ½" x 3"
  • ca. 1850
  • ¥ 12,000($($102), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 20) Covered rice bowl
  • Gold vines on dark red background with hoodog in each window
  • 5" x 3 ¼"
  • ca.1800
  • ¥ 25,000($211), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 21) Covered rice bowl
  • Gold vines on dark red background with hoodog in each window
  • 4 ½" x 3"
  • ca. 1800
  • ¥ 21,000($178), a/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 22) Fluted plate
  • Small design of birds, fish, plants, representing the peaceful elements of nature.
  • 4 ½"
  • ca. 1850
  • ¥ 7,000($59), s/h ¥ 3,000($26)
picture in a new window 23) Fluted plate
  • Small design of birds, fish, and plants, representing the peaceful elements of nature.
  • 8 ¾"
  • ca. 1850
  • ¥ 25,000($211), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 24) Covered rice bowl.
  • Small design of birds, fish, plants, representing the peaceful elements of nature. Ten pieces available.
  • 6" x 2"
  • ca.
  • ¥ 14,000($119), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 25) Salad bowl
  • Small design of birds, fish, and plants, representing the peaceful elements of nature. Ten pieces available.
  • 4 ½" x 4"
  • ca.
  • ¥ 12,000($102), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 26) Fluted plate and salad bowl
  • Birds and flowering trees in a typical Imari divided design.
  • 6" x 2"
  • ca. 1870
  • ¥ 14,000($119), s/h ¥ 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 27) Fluted plate and salad bowl
  • Birds and flowering trees in a typical Imari divided design.
  • 8 ½ x 1 ¼"
  • ca. 1870
  • ¥ 22,000($186), ¥ s/h 4,000($34)
picture in a new window 28) Covered rice bowl
  • Birds and flowering trees in a typical Imari divided design.
  • 4 ½" x 3 ¼"
  • ca.
  • ¥ 12,000($102), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)
picture in a new window 29) Covered soup bowl
  • Birds and flowering trees in a typical Imari divided design.
  • 5" x 3 ½"
  • ca.
  • ¥ 12,000($102), s/h ¥ 3,500($30)

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