Vintage Japanese Aoki Arita Imari Phoenix Plate 9.5 Inch

This attractive vintage Japanese Imari plate is a fine example of Aoki Arita ware, displaying the bold colour palette and layered symbolism traditionally associated with Imari porcelain. Measuring approximately 9½ inches (about 24 cm) in diameter, the plate has a gently scalloped rim and a low, slightly recessed cavetto, giving it a decorative profile that reads well both on the table and on the wall.

The front of the plate is richly decorated in underglaze and overglaze enamels, dominated by a deep cobalt blue ground, iron-red accents and touches of soft green — the classic “three‑colour” Imari combination. Around the border runs a dense ring of chrysanthemum blossoms with radiating petals and yellow centres, interspersed with small foliage sprays. This floral band sits against a saturated cobalt field, creating a strong contrast that frames the central design.

Within the interior, an asymmetrical arrangement of overlapping panels provides a distinctly late‑Meiji to early‑Shōwa Japanese aesthetic. Two large rectangular cartouches outlined with a red key‑fret border contain delicate foliage and floral sprays in iron‑red on a reserved white ground. A smaller angular panel, placed diagonally, features a stylised phoenix (or hō‑ō bird) rendered in flowing red lines, its plumage sweeping across the panel. Surrounding this panel are small, roundels in green and grey that suggest stylised floral heads or cloud scrolls, reinforcing the auspicious themes of longevity, rebirth and good fortune commonly associated with the phoenix motif in Japanese decorative arts.

The plate’s rim is crisply moulded into multiple lobes, a form often favoured for export and domestic display pieces from the Arita kilns. The reverse is largely undecorated save for a double blue circle surrounding the footring, a typical trait of Arita production. The exposed foot shows the expected light kiln grit and firing imperfections one expects from hand‑finished Japanese porcelain of the period.

Condition, as visible in the photographs, is generally good for a vintage piece but not perfect. There is a small but noticeable rim chip along one of the lobes, as well as minor glaze wear and typical surface scratches consistent with age and use. The enamels remain bright and stable, with no large areas of loss, and there are no obvious structural cracks or hairlines visible in the images. Collectors should review the close‑up photographs to assess the chip and any minor firing or age‑related imperfections according to their own standards.

This plate would appeal to collectors of Japanese Imari, Arita and export porcelain, as well as decorators seeking an eye‑catching wall or cabinet piece. It combines a strong, graphic layout with traditional symbolic imagery, making it suitable for both period interiors and more contemporary displays. Whether used as a stand‑alone accent on a plate stand or grouped with other blue‑and‑red Imari wares, it provides an authentic touch of Japanese ceramic artistry from the 20th century.

Offered as found, with no restoration undertaken; all condition points are visible in the accompanying images.