Maker and marks: On the reverse of this beautiful gold encrusted jewelled plate is a mark of the renowned Japanese maker Morimura Brothers Nippon, the company that eventually became Noritake.
The blue mark has a maple leaf to the left and the words "Hand Painted" to the right. It was in use from around 1891 to 1911 and is Van Patten's mark number 52. Source: Collector's Encyclopedia of Nippon Porcelain by Joan Van Patten.
Design: Morimura Nippon is justifiably famous for its high quality and this exceptionally beautiful scenic plate is no exception: it is classically designed, rich in detail and superbly crafted.
A matte gold band richly accented with tiny jewels and raised gold beading, or moriage, surrounds a placid waterside scene highlighted with red trees and birds in flight.
A hole for wall hanging is on the back but it's in the wrong place for the plate to be hung properly.
Size: The plate is 9 1/2 inches wide and weighs 14.8 ounces.
Condition: It's in excellent condition for its age with no nicks, chips, cracks, scratches, stains, discoloration, crazing or repairs. There is wear to the edge - an example is shown in the photo with the red arrow and it's visible in other photos.
Please check all the photos very carefully – they are an important part of the description.