Edo Period Ko-Imari Plate – Flower Basket

Japanese porcelain plate, c. 1720.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 9⅞” diameter.
 
Decoration: 
The rim is edged in gold.
 
The border is decorated with three cartouches of a red and gold plant blossom separated by panels of gold, white and flesh tone flowers on a dark blue ground.
 
In the center is a traditional design of a flower basket (“hanakago-de”).
 
The reverse is with three floral plum blossom sprays and bears five 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, “Complete Catalog of Shibata Collection”.
 
Condition: Minor fritting on the rim; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.