A large Japanese Arita porcelain Charger hand painted in polychrome enamels in the typical Imari palette but, painted with a relatively unusual subject of a large hare (some may call it a rabbit), which has symbolism and meanings including sensitivity, gentleness, fertility, haste, new beginnings, the moon, and good luck. This highly decorative large plate dates to the mid to late 19th century circa 1870 during the Meiji era in Japan and equating to the Victorian period in the UK..

The charger is of a round dished shape and has an underglaze blue painted ground structure which consists of a central roundel in reserve with a dragon chasing a flaming pearl, this is surrounded by a diaper band with four lotus flower sections. There is a stylised cross shape in underglaze cobalt blue, not dissimilar in appearance to a Maltese cross, that forms four large panels. The legs of this cross have two different patterns, one has an underglaze blue diaper pattern with superimposed cloud scrolls with gilding, the other, the cross piece has an iron red and gilded floral scroll with an underglaze blue ground.

The panels are painted with two different scenes repeated opposite each other. The first scene is of a flowering cherry tree in blossom growing amongst bamboo with clouds of gold above. This panel is surrounded with flowers and foliate scrolls with a gilded background. The second panel design features a large hare or rabbit sat in a garden with a pine tree and tree ferns. This panel is surrounded by hexagonal turtle shell motifs or Kikko ( 亀甲)  and cloud scrolls on a bright iron red and gilded ground.

The back of the platter is decorated with large peony flowers around the underside of the rim. It also has a hand painted kanji calligraphy mark - 冨貴長春 - Fuki-Chosun which translates as wealth, nobility, longevity - a wish for good fortune and long life, the latter conveyed euphemistically as "Long-lasting spring".

The charger measures 18 1/2 inches (47 cm) diameter and stands 2 3/4 inches ( 7 cm) high. It weighs 3.43 kilograms unpacked.

It is in good antique condition, there is a stabilised crack with small associated chip to the back of the rim, probably caused by the wire plate hanger that is still attached. There is very minor wear to the gilding and some minor fritting to the body. Please see the images.

This is a beautiful, highly decorative and large example of Japanese Meiji period porcelain of the mid 19th century. A great item for display or use.

Free UK postage with this item, International postage at cost.