Igezara Transferware Plate – Central Medallion with Four Panels

Meiji period (1868-1912) transferware plate. 
 
Dimensions: Approximately 9⅝” diameter.
 
Decoration:
The molded rim is edged with the typical brown band. 
 
The border is decorated with a band of alternating geometric designs.
 
The center is decorated with four large alternating panels, two of which are scenes of a structure with a blossoming plum tree and two of which are scenes of a bird in a tree. 
 
These are four large panels are separated by strips of one of the border designs and surround a central medallion of an arabesque amid either plants or seaweed.
 
The base has a kiln spur (kiln support) mark from firing, which is typical of this ware, and bears a faint kiln mark.
 
The piece is heavily potted, as is the case with Igezara wares.
 
“Igezara" is a term applied to heavy, durable, everyday porcelain ware produced in Japan from near the end of the Edo Period (mid to late 1800's) until the early Taisho Period (early 1900's). 
 
Unlike fine hand painted porcelain, like Imari and Kutani, Igezara pieces are transferware. They were produced by transferring designs initially created on copper plates, similar to transferware that was produced in Staffordshire England at the beginning of the 19th century.
 
Like English transferware, Izegara wares came into being at a time of industrialization, when a broad portion of the population desired attractive ceramics the design of which was influenced by more expensive porcelain.
 
Izegara ware was produced in Arita, Saga in Kyushu, and Gifu. 
 
Most Igezara wares are blue and white, although some have polychrome elements. Often the reverse of the rim bears decorative patterns.
 
The designs vary widely. Most include traditional Japanese elements like flowers, trees, or birds. Many incorporate geometric patterns.
 
Igezara pieces have a brown edge around a rim that has “pie crust” ridges molded into it. These elements give the transferware its name, which comes from two Japanese words: "Ige" meaning "notch or thorn", referring to the pie-like indentations found around the rim, and "Zara" or "sara" meaning "plate". 
 
References: 
Seton, “Igezara, Printed China”.
Watanabe, “Igezara Museum”.
 
Condition: In excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.