Vintage Japanese Imari 21cm Scalloped Porcelain Plate

This attractive vintage Japanese Imari plate is a classic example of late 19th to early 20th century export porcelain, featuring the bold iron-red and underglaze cobalt blue palette that made Imari ware so popular with Western collectors. Measuring approximately 21 cm in diameter, the plate has a gently scalloped rim and shallow well, giving it an elegant, decorative profile while remaining practical for table or display use.

The front of the plate is divided into radiating panels in traditional Imari style. Four broad iron-red reserves alternate with deep cobalt blue bands, each segment carefully hand-painted. Two of the red panels contain stylised koi or goldfish swimming among simplified aquatic foliage, their forms painted in rich iron-red with dark brush accents. The remaining red panels show scrolling foliage and small roundels, adding rhythm and movement around the border.

The contrasting white ground panels are filled with delicately painted flower sprays, likely chrysanthemums and peonies, rendered in iron-red with touches of green and blue enamels. Fine black outlining and hatching emphasise the hand-painted character of the decoration. The cobalt blue panels act as strong visual anchors, one of the signature design features of Imari ware, and include simple circular mons-style medallions and linear patterning.

At the centre of the plate is a circular medallion framed by a narrow, hatched cobalt border. Inside, a stylised underglaze blue floral and foliate motif is painted on the white ground, providing a quiet focal point that balances the busy rim decoration. The overall composition is harmonious and highly decorative, suitable both for hanging on a wall and for display in a cabinet or on a stand.

The reverse of the plate is largely undecorated, as is typical of utilitarian Imari pieces, but features four small underglaze blue floral scroll motifs spaced around the outer rim. The central foot ring is neatly formed and shows expected wear from age and use. No maker’s mark is visible, consistent with many early 20th century export wares, and the quality of the body and glaze suggest kiln production in one of the traditional Arita/Imari centres.

The porcelain body is a clean off‑white with a glossy glaze. The rim shows some minor firing irregularities and light fritting, common in hand-produced Imari ware and part of its period character. Close inspection of the images reveals typical signs of age and handling such as small glaze specks, light surface scratching, and a few kiln dust inclusions, but no obvious large cracks or major restorations are visible from the photographs provided. Any further subtle wear should be assessed directly from the images, as noted in the user’s condition statement.

This plate is an appealing decorative object that encapsulates the charm of Japanese Imari ware: strong colour contrasts, lively hand-brushed painting, and a well-balanced combination of floral and figural motifs. Its 21 cm size makes it ideal for grouping with other Imari plates of varying diameters, for a feature wall display, or as a single accent piece on a sideboard or shelf. It would complement both traditional and eclectic interiors and will be of interest to collectors of Japanese ceramics, lovers of blue-and-red palettes, or anyone seeking an authentic vintage accent with clear historical character.