Japanese Edo Arita "Mijin-Karakusa" Dish- Superb Quality- C1790 Diameter 21.5cm

Magnificent Edo period Japanese Arita Sometsuke dish dating to around the 1790's and of exceptional quality and condition for its age.  Scalloped shaped to represent the Imperial Chrysanthemum with a fluted rim

A true collectors piece of Japanese History. 

The plate is decorated in a truly stunning micro-scroll "mijin -karakusa design of intricate detailing in the arabesque scrolling form.

The central circular motif is of the "three friends of winter " motif. Known as "Sho-Chiku-Bai" featuring the Pine (Matsu) representing longevity and endurance, Bamboo (Take) representing perseverance and flexibility and finally Plum (Ume) representing courage. The actual symbol was originally imported from China where the symbol  represented the ideal Confucian scholar who endures adversity.

For reference see the Japanese Shibata Collection of early Arita wares from the beginning of the Edo period to the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate (the start of the Meiji Period) which is housed at the Kyushu Ceramic Museum of Arita  (2019 Catalogue reference 1947. There are many other similar dishes within this collection as well)

The dish is marked with the classic 6 figure  "Chenghau Mark"  "Tai Ming Chenghau Nian Zhi".  Chenqhau was a Chinese ruler in the Ming Dynasty between 1465-1487. A great deal of early Japanese porcelain was marked with these type of Chinese Reign marks. Not I believe to deceive but as homage to a great period in Porcelain manufacture.