Japanese Satsuma-Style Moriage Plate - Hand-Painted - c. 1920-1940

Japanese decorative porcelain plate in Satsuma style, likely made during the Taisho to early Showa period, circa 1920-1940.

The scene depicts a central female figure surrounded by four male figures in historicized Japanese clothing. The plate is richly decorated with hand-painted enamel colors, extensive gold decoration and moriage: raised enamel that gives the clothing, contours and ornaments a tactile relief.

The craftsmanship is clearly visible up close. Small raised dots, fine lines and geometric patterns are individually applied and give the clothing particular depth. The combination of black, cobalt blue, green, red and soft blue is accented with gold almost everywhere.

On the reverse side is a red maker's mark. The maker or workshop responsible for this has not yet been identified with certainty.

Details

• Type: decorative plate / wall plate
• Origin: Japan
• Period: likely circa 1920-1940
• Period designation: Taisho to early Showa
• Style: Satsuma style
• Material: porcelain
• Technique: hand-painted enamel decoration
• Decoration: raised moriage details and gold work
• Depiction: central female figure with four male figures
• Maker's mark: red maker's mark on the reverse side, maker unknown
• Diameter: approx. 18 cm
• Condition: very good vintage condition with slight signs of age and use