{HISTORY}

Bring home a touch of the exotic Far East with this handpainted dish made in occupied Japan during the 1940s. 

In swirling shades of gold, brick red, midnight blue, and bright white, this small porcelain dish is exquisitely handpainted on both the interior and exterior. Full of exotic appeal and painted in Japan's famous Imari style, it contains a bevy of beautiful details. Leaves, dots, vines, flowers, diamonds, circles, squares, and stripes all complement the unique shape of the dish adding interest from every angle no matter what your vantage point. 

Some Imari enthusiasts refer to this dish shape as a sauce or dipping bowl, others call it a small tray. But we also suggest some other uses too.. a trinket dish, a catchall, a food prep bowl, a snack dish and a soap dish too. That's the beauty of small porcelain pieces like this with their interesting shapes and patterns - they happen to be just the right size vessel for such a wide variety of purposes.

Made by porcelain manufacturer, Hokutosha, between 1945-1952, it marks a time in history just following WWII when Western Allies occupied Japan in attempt to make the country a democratic union. While that bit of Japan's history is less than 100 years old, the Imari style of painting that this dish features is a Japanese art form that dates back centuries.

First originating in the Artita region of Japan and exported through the port of Imari in the early 1600s, most Imari pieces were and still are made for food and table service.  So full of story, the techniques, color arrangements and designs utilized in this specific style of painting have been passed down through generations making it a true artisan craft skillfully perfected over hundreds of years. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Small size
• Stamped on back with maker's mark 

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition. This dish contains no cracks, chips or staining. The gold detailing on both the interior and exterior is shiny and bright.

{SIZE}

Measures 5" inches (length) x 3.75" inches (width x 1" inch (height) and weighs 3 oz.