Pair of Japanese Arita Porcelain Chargers 19th C.

A pair of late 19th century (Meiji period ) Imari pattern Arita porcelain Imari display chargers. They are scalloped (sometimes described as petal) edged and have a shallow rib and dishing giving them a depth of 2 inches, there is a foot rim which accentuates the shallow dish rather than plate form. The decoration is a combination of under glaze blue and over glaze enamel plus gilded highlights, the pattern is typical Japanese panels of foliate decor with stylised (almost mythical) birds.

The rear of both Chargers is properly decorated in underglaze blue plus has an under-glazed blue four character mark , we believe is Fuki Choshun meaning Wealth, Nobility, Longevity and Youth, also translated as "Good fortune and long life" or "Wealth and Everlasting Spring". Alternative translations add that fuki (huki) also means peonies and is a symbol of wealth and choshun means roses, a symbol of everlasting spring as in, forever young. This mark was mainly used during the Meiji Period, from 1868-1912 where this is one of the earliest trade marks not imitating a Chinese Imperial Nian Hao (reign mark).

Size: Overall diameter is 34 cm ( 13 1/2 inches approx) Each charger weighs 1.15 kg.

Condition is very good, there are no breaks, cracks, chips nor repairs, there is minor surface rubs commensurate with age and to be anticipated with this type of wares.