Edo Period Ai-Kakiemon Style Porcelain Plate

Story

Crafted in 17th-century Arita, this porcelain dish reflects Japan's Edo-period mastery of refined underglaze cobalt. Artisans intentionally left vast white space (yohaku) to make the delicate botanical brushwork truly pop. The distinctive spur marks on the base reveal it was elevated during kiln firing to achieve total glazed perfection.

Maker / Origin

The Kakiemon kiln in Arita became legendary in the mid-17th century for perfecting overglaze enamels and a distinct warm, milky porcelain body. While polychrome pieces are famous, their underglaze blue creations—Ai-Kakiemon—are prized by connoisseurs for their poetic compositions and sublime control of cobalt tonal variation.

Condition & Value

The plate appears to be in very good condition with light surface wear consistent with age, minor kiln pitting, and intact rim contours. The underside displays crisp spur marks and clear underglaze blue decoration without obvious chips or cracks.