Imari porcelain originated in the early-17th century in the southern Japanese town of Arita. It is primarily known for its stylized depictions of bamboo, flowers, and geometric designs in blue and white at first, and then later in orange, blue, red and sometimes green. The ware was manufactured specifically for the European export trade near the Japanese port of Imari in the town of Arita, on an island in the south of the country. Today the town hosts an annual week-long ceramics fair that draws a million visitors. As can be said of most finely painted porcelain pieces, the beauty depends upon the talent of the artist as a designer, the skill of the artist as the executioner of his design, and lastly but most important, the artist’s ability to harmoniously blend all of the elements required in a fine painting. This beautiful jardiniere was obviously done by an experienced and creative Imari artist who knew his art well and also had exceptional talent. Imari was wildly popular from the 17th century until the mid-18th in Europe until Chinese--followed by European--potters began creating their own versions of this pottery. By the last half of the 19th century, however, there occurred a great resurgence in interest in all things Japanese, including Imari, especially after the world Expositions in Paris, Philadelphia and Chicago that took place between 1867 and 1893. This heightened interest by the West was given the name, “Japonism,” by a contemporary artist, and took place in the midst of great societal changes in Japan. The Meiji period dates from 1868 until 1912, when the emperor of that name died. This gorgeous and impressively large charger is filled with large butterflies and orange Japanese peonies with jade-green and teal blue leaves, interspersed with stemmed flowers near bamboo trellises. Sweeping and curving lines dominate in the artistic design. The large central circle encloses a vignette of a shaped vase of flowers beneath a bonsai tree branch with cascading leaves and flowers. In the background are hills and birds. The cobalt blue vase decorated in gilt is sitting upon a simple stand. Behind it are panels in orange and cobalt blue with gilt designs. The edges of the charger are scalloped and have a white porcelain border above a cobalt blue outline. The back was decorated with dark blue designs. All the motifs are finely painted in rich, traditional Imari colors. This is both a beautiful and highly decorative example of late-19th century Imari. The condition of this piece is simply excellent for its age, type and size. The charger was dipped in a thick blue glaze that helped protect it over the years. It has also been protected by its original wrought iron hanger, as it has only been displayed on walls. It weighs in at hefty 7 pounds, including the hanger. This impressive charger is 18 inches in diameter.