How old is my Imari plate?
Modern Royal Crown Derby pieces are always marked with a crown, the name of one of three factories, and the year the piece was produced. Meissen Imari are marked with crossed swords; the style of the mark determines the age of the piece.
Can you tell if a piece of Imari is antique?
I have been collecting Imari for several years now, but only the pieces clearly marked Imari. They are extremely hard to find, and I have noticed in antiques shows dealers are selling pieces advertised as Imari but not marked accordingly.
When did the making of Imari stop in Japan?
What we did not make clear is that the making of Imari has not stopped for any length of time since its inception, and some very attractive examples have been made in recent years. Current collectors, however, are mostly interested in the wares that are no later than the early 20th century.
Where can I find a gold Imari piece?
Pieces with this “Gold Imari” mark turn up rather frequently in estate sales, and they are very attractive, high-quality wares that were relatively expensive when they were new. We spoke with the owner of a prestigious giftware store who remembers carrying “Gold Imari” more than 30 years ago but could not recall who actually made it.
Is the Charger from Ireland an Imari piece?
Dear Helaine and Joe: I was reading your response to J.C. concerning a charger that supposedly was from Ireland but proved to be Japanese Imari. I have been collecting Imari for several years now, but only the pieces clearly marked Imari.
Where was the first Imari porcelain plate made?
Imari porcelain, also known as Arita ware, was first produced in the 1600s in the Japanese town of Arita. Imari is the name of the port city from which the porcelain was first exported to the West. Imari is highly collectible and comes in many forms besides plates, such as cups, bowls, vases and figures.
What are the signs of age in Imari porcelain?
Imari porcelain often features intricate designs of animals, flowers, patterns or symbolic objects. Examine the piece for signs of age. General signs of age in a piece of porcelain include tiny, cracklike marks called crackling, deterioration or scratching of the glaze, and faded or discolored design.
What do the characters on an Imari plate mean?
Early Imari plates often bear characteristic signatures. For example, pieces from the 17th to mid-19th centuries often bear Japanese characters such as “Fuku,” which means “happiness,” or “Fuki Choshun,” which means “good fortune and long life,” according to the Gotheborg website.
Where can I find an Edo period Imari plate?
Edo period Imari plate with Uzufuku mark (attributed to Kakiemon). This mark is generally found on late Edo/Bakumatsu period wares. It refers to the old Chinese Quianlong period but is used only as decoration. *Keep in mind that the Ken mark was also used on repro’s in the mid 20th century. Look for other indicators of age.