A Thickly Formed Meiji Era Inban Plate: Stenciled Patterns

$195.00 USD

late nineteenth century
diameter 10 1/4", 26 cm
height 1 1/2", 4 cm

Inban ware is a type of every day ceramic from old Japan that uses hand cut stencils to guide its design on to its surface: the stencils used for this purpose are very similar to those used in the katazome dyeing process, which makes Inban ware an interesting counterpart to folk textiles.

Inban ware was only produced for a narrow window of time, roughly from around 1878 to 1898 and often it is the flaws in the making of the Inban ware that give it its charm.

This is a fairly large plate, quite thickly made and heavy in the hand. 

The pattern is that of a radiating circular design separated into six sections; each section shows a repeat of chrysanthemums surrounded by hexagons. In the center of the design is a flower form which seems to be encircled by a stylized dragon.

The back of the plate shows three stenciled phoenixes sitting near the perimeter of the plate, each one slightly smeared. 

The plate shows some accretions to the surface of its proper front, illustrated in the accompanying detail photographs here.

Just beautiful.

Recommended.

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