Kutani Plate Value Guide

This exquisite Kutani porcelain plate, dating from the late Meiji era (1880-1900), showcases the legendary Shichifukujin, or Seven Gods of Fortune, in vivid detail. Originating from the Kaga Province, this piece is highly collectible due to its intricate hand-painted enamels and the symbolic cultural significance of the deities depicted.

What affects the value of Kutani Plate?

• The presence and preservation of the intricate gold gilding significantly impacts the $380 valuation.
• The complexity of the figurative scene, specifically the detailed rendering of all Seven Gods of Fortune.
• Physical condition, including the absence of hairline cracks, chips, or significant enamel wear.
• The authenticity of the 1880-1900 era markings and the quality of the porcelain body.

How to Identify Kutani Plate?

• Look for the characteristic 'Kutani' (九谷) mark on the base, often painted in red or gold.
• Examine the palette for the traditional 'five colors' (gosai): red, yellow, green, purple, and dark blue.
• Check for fine, hand-applied gold gilding and raised enamel textures typical of late 19th-century craftsmanship.
• Identify the specific iconography of the Seven Gods of Fortune, such as Hotei with his sack or Daikokuten with his mallet.

History of Kutani Plate

Kutani ware is a style of Japanese porcelain historically produced in Kaga Province, now Ishikawa Prefecture. The term 'Kutani' means 'nine valleys'. The first kilns were established in the mid-17th century, producing unique, vividly colored porcelain. The style is renowned for its bold designs, often depicting landscapes, birds, flowers, and figures from Japanese mythology, such as the Seven Gods of Fortune, also known as Shichifukujin, who bring good luck.