{"product_id":"antique-japanese-porcelain-wall-fan-plaque-with-geisha-relief","title":"Antique Japanese Porcelain Wall Fan Plaque with Geisha Relief","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis striking antique Japanese wall plaque is finely modelled in the form of an oval uchiwa fan, decorated with a high‑relief bust of an elegant bijin (beautiful lady) in traditional dress. Measuring approximately 37 cm in height and 25 cm across the fan, it is an impressive decorative size and displays exceptionally well as wall art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plaque is produced in a good quality white porcelain body, thinly potted yet robust enough for hanging. The obverse is glazed in a clear high‑gloss glaze, forming a smooth pale ground against which the raised figure stands out in sculptural detail. The woman is shown half‑length, turned slightly to one side in a reflective pose, with delicately modelled facial features and well‑defined hands. Her hair is arranged in an elaborate shimada style, picked out in deep black enamels with gilded hair ornaments and a side hairpin adding refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe layered kimono is richly enamelled, the outer robe painted in soft blue and grey with finely drawn foliate and bamboo motifs suggestive of Meiji or Taishō taste for naturalistic textile patterns. Pink enamel edging with a subtle beaded texture frames the neckline and sleeve, while an obi sash in iron‑red and black provides a strong visual contrast. There is careful shading to the enamels and a slight translucency to the white of the face and hands, giving the figure a lifelike presence. The modelling of the folds of the robe, the tilt of the head and the serene expression are characteristic of late 19th to early 20th century Japanese export porcelain influenced by woodblock bijin‑ga prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe fan shape is distinctly Japanese, echoing traditional paper and lacquer uchiwa fans. The handle is painted in a dark grey‑black glaze, imitating lacquered wood and tapering elegantly with a small drilled hole at the end, presumably for an original hanging cord or wall fixing. Another pierced hole is present towards the lower handle, providing a secure suspension point for vertical display. The simple undecorated background allows the figure to dominate the composition, making the piece ideal as a focal point in an Asian‑themed interior or a collection of Meiji decorative arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse of the plaque is left largely unglazed with a matt, slightly granular finish and shows typical firing marks, light kiln grit and age‑related toning consistent with an early 20th century date. A small applied lug or residue from an earlier hanging device is visible near the centre; radiating glaze lines around this are firing‑related rather than structural damage. Overall, the piece remains in good condition for its age, with no obvious major restoration. Minor firing imperfections, light surface wear to the enamels and slight soiling on the back are to be expected and add to the authenticity of the object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnmarked examples of this type were commonly produced in regional kilns for both the domestic and export market, and are today sought after for their combination of sculptural modelling and painted detail. This plaque would appeal to collectors of Japanese porcelain, bijin imagery, fan‑shaped wares and wall plaques, and it offers a rare opportunity to acquire an unusual decorative object that bridges the fields of ceramics, sculpture and interior design. Displayed on a contrasting wall, its three‑dimensional relief and subtle palette create a refined, understated statement that reflects the grace and elegance of traditional Japanese aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Moffitts Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53941512339740,"sku":null,"price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/moffitts.co.uk\/products\/antique-japanese-porcelain-wall-fan-plaque-with-geisha-relief","provider":"Moffitts Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}