"[Japan & Neighboring Islands Decorative Plate]", Anon.

This decorative blue and white underglazed plate is from Arita, Japan, circa Tenpo era (1830-1844) of Edo Period. This beautiful and unusual piece features a map as a ceramic decoration, a phenomena that was only used in Japan in the early 19th century. The map is centered on Japan with each of its provinces named in Kanji Chinese, surrounded by ocean waves. Foreign lands are depicted along the edge of the plate without regard to scale or distance. The land at bottom left is labeled "female guardian" and at top center is "country of little people," while North Korea is correctly identified at top left. The bottom of the plate is marked with Kanji characters that signify it was made in "Tenpo years."

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Condition: A

Excellent condition with minor wear.