Large 18th Century Chinese Imari Porcelain Charger, Circa 1760

This gorgeous Chinese porcelain charger, hand-painted in the Imari style, dates back to the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty, circa 1760. It features a vibrant color palette of iron-red, peach, underglaze cobalt blue, and gold. In the center of the charger, a basket overflows with flowers, including chrysanthemums, peonies, and plum tree blossoms, all in full bloom. The decoration is beautifully gilded, adding a luxurious touch to the design. The broad rim of the dish is adorned with scrolling vines, flowers, and distant views of a waterside landscape. In Chinese tradition, peonies symbolize royalty, wealth, and honor; plum tree flowers signify endurance; and chrysanthemums represent abundance and long life. Together, they embody the deep appreciation for beauty, resilience, and prosperity that is central to Chinese cultural heritage. Marks: Typical of the Chinese Imari ware of the 18th century, the back of the charger bears a sketch of two branches of plum blossoms. At the center, the reverse shows the lingzhi mark in underglaze blue inside a double blue circle. Dimensions: 13.75″ diameter x 1.5″ height Condition: Excellent with very slight rubbing to the gilt Price: $2,200 Background of Chinese Imari porcelains: In the late 17th century, Japanese potters in Arita first made export porcelains with elaborate gilt designs to cater to European consumers. As the wares were shipped abroad from the port of Imari, this category of brilliantly enameled porcelain was conventionally known as “Imari ware.” From the early 18th century, Chinese artisans followed the Japanese example and manufactured similar Imari-style porcelain products identified by connoisseurs as “Chinese Imari ware.” Our refined charger is an excellent example of mature Chinese Imari Porcelain for the West.