Japanese porcelain plates are almost synonymous with the vibrantly painted scenery, portraits, or patterns, which they bear on their faces.
Historically, the very oldest ceramic pieces found in Japan date back all the way to 10,000 BC. Naturally, these pieces were nowhere near as sophisticated or artistic as the antiques from more recent history, but it does give you an idea of how far back the craftsmanship of ceramic plates in Japan began.
As far as porcelain goes, the biggest ‘boom’ that took place was during the 15th century. Mind you, this was a time when the tea ceremony was enjoying great popularity, and so it does make sense that the demand for decorative ceramics plates, bowls, and cups, was high.
It was a Korean man by the name of Ri Sampei who is credited with discovering porcelain clay in Japan, and since then almost all Japanese plates have been made in porcelain. Artistically, Japanese porcelain plates went from strength to strength, with greater intricacy and beauty being incorporated into each successive generation of plates.
Over the years, regional characteristics also began to manifest themselves in the artistry of Japanese porcelain plates. Despite the fact that the city of Arita was one of the biggest names in the industry, the artistic merit of the pieces produced in other regions sometimes surpassed those of Arita.
One thing that is certain is that, today, antique Japanese porcelain plates enjoy more popularity than ever, although mostly as display pieces. Since the time of Ri Sampei, Japanese porcelain plates have never been long absent from the spotlight.
