Fine Earthenware Dish From Satsuma.japan End Of 19th Century.

Fine earthenware dish from Satsuma. Polychrome decoration where blue (typical Gosu blue) is dominant, this type of decoration was called "Imperial" although these ceramics were not intended for the emperor but mainly for export to the Europe and the United States. The dish is entirely covered by Mon, we recognize among others that of the Tokugawa, Shogun reigning in Japan until 1868. Mark: Satsuma Yaki, it is interesting to note that the second character "ma " is written entirely whereas it is usually abbreviated which confirms a ceramic of the best quality. Above the characters the "Mon" (coat of arms) of the Shimazu clan. This dish was produced in Awata (Kyoto) rather than in Satsuma, probably in the 19th century around 1860-80 but the imperfection of the cooking of the Gosu blue which "bubbled" could indicate an older production.