Ko-Imari Plate Value Guide

This Ko-Imari plate represents the pinnacle of early Japanese porcelain production from the Arita region during the prestigious Edo Period. Its distinctive scalloped edge and refined underglaze blue floral motifs on a celadon ground make it a highly sought-after example of export ware that historically influenced European ceramic traditions.

What Is Ko-Imari Plate Worth?

The typical price range for Ko-Imari Plate is $750 - $900 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The preservation of the delicate scalloped edges, as chips or repairs significantly reduce the $750-$900 valuation.
• The vibrancy and clarity of the underglaze blue pigment against the celadon base.
• Provenance linking the piece to the early export period (1680-1720) rather than later 19th-century revivals.
• Overall structural integrity, including the absence of hairline fractures or surface dulling from improper cleaning.

How to Identify Ko-Imari Plate?

• Look for the characteristic scalloped rim profile typical of the 1680-1720 production era.
• Examine the underglaze blue floral motifs for the hand-painted precision unique to Arita artisans.
• Verify the celadon ground color, which should appear as a pale, translucent sea-foam green characteristic of early Ko-Imari.
• Check for signs of kiln grit or minor firing irregularities on the unglazed foot rim, common in authentic Edo period porcelain.

History of Ko-Imari Plate

Ko-Imari porcelain refers to early Japanese porcelain produced in the Arita region, primarily for export from the port of Imari during the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries). These wares became highly sought after in Europe, influencing ceramic production across the continent. The specific style, known for its vibrant underglaze blue and often combined with overglaze enamels, showcases the pinnacle of Japanese ceramic artistry.