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Three charming Chinese "Imari" porcelain plates decorated with a polychrome lakeside landscape in cobalt blue, iron red and gold; some minor chips to the rims. China, 18th century.
What is meant by "Chinese Imari"?
In the mid-17th century, China experienced a period of political turmoil due to the transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty. As a result, the production of porcelain for export was significantly reduced, leading Europeans to seek alternative suppliers. The Dutch, who held a monopoly on trade with Japan, began importing Japanese porcelain.
This porcelain is characterized by a decoration using three colors: cobalt blue applied under the glaze, iron red and gold applied over the glaze. It mainly features floral motifs and was called "Imari" after the port on the island of Kyushu from which it was exported.
Once the Chinese resumed their porcelain production, they adapted to the European craze for Imari and produced pieces inspired by Japanese porcelain, known as Chinese Imari. Europeans then turned once again to Chinese production centers, which offered pieces that were less expensive than Japanese porcelain.
