The Japanese have quite a long, flowing history of ceramics, dating back to approximately 10,000 BC. Because the tea ceremony from the 15^th century was so popular, ceramics began to be realized for their artful beauty, rather than just as something functional. Imported Chinese ceramics were quite sought after as pieces of art. In 1592 and 1598, after Japan’s invasions of Korea, Korean potters, who had learned how to skillfully produce fine porcelain from the Chinese, were brought back to Japan. Some made their home in northern Kyushu in Arita, where porcelain clay was found. Ri Sampei, known as the “father” of Japanese porcelain, was one of the Korean porcelain makers who had settled there. Thus, the area developed into Japan’s major center for the production of porcelain at that time and the port of Imari exported its products.

 The Shibata Chinaware Company was established in Mizunami City, Japan and has a long history in superb chinaware manufacturing.  This beautiful porcelain plate is hand painted, four inches in diameter and bears Japanese symbols, with the authentic Shibata, Japan mark in red on the back. Although this plate is decades old, it is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks. Hand painted on this magnificent plate, is a pagoda in an understated slate blue shade, with the meticulous detail work in black. The pagoda sits on a tan stone base and is set against a lovely light blue sky, filled with white puffy clouds. An interesting fact about a pagoda is that while it is very vulnerable to fire, it manages to withstand earthquakes and typhoons, due to its architecture. This gorgeous plate has the artist’s signature in gold above the pagoda itself. In the foreground, there is a breathtaking blue and pink flowering tree against a brilliantly green lawn. For the finishing touch, the plate is trimmed in shimmering gold. Add this stunning Shibata porcelain plate to your collection and own an exquisite piece of the Japanese culture that will enhance any wall, hutch or table in your home!

Get A Taste Of The Orient With An Incredible Shibata Porcelain Plate From Japan  is a post from: Japanese Antiquities

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.

Tracing the Origins of Japanese Porcelain Plates is a post from: Japanese Antiquities