Pair of dishes. Japan, Meiji period. Arita, late 19th century.

Pair of dishes. Japan, Meiji period. Arita, late 19th century.
Glazed porcelain.
With mark on the base.
Measurements: 26.5 cm (diameter).
The pair of plates, decorated with Dutch scenes on their seats, belong to one of the characteristic typologies of Imari porcelain: that which adapts to European taste with the representation of idyllic landscapes with figures. Imari porcelain is the western name given to the porcelain products made in the town of Arita. The name "Imari" refers to the neighbouring town of Imari, where such products are exported abroad through its port. This porcelain was very popular in Europe from 1650 when the Dutch East India Company imported it from Arita. Imari porcelain designs were instrumental in the process of orientalisation of European ceramics in the porcelain production centres of Meissen and Vincennes. The Imari porcelain production style was also imitated in Europe, through the faience produced in Delft, the Netherlands and in Robert Chamberlain's factory in Worcester, England in the 19th century.