A massive museum quality Japanese porcelain map of Japan…
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A massive museum quality Japanese porcelain map of Japan charger, probably Edo mark and period Tempo reign (1830-1843), commonly referred to as Imari, decorated with an underglaze blue map of Japan in low relief in the cavetto showing two panels of calligraphy and the provinces of Japan. The underside bears a six-character mark 'Honcho Tempo Nensei' which may be translated either 'Made in Japan in the Tempo Era' or 'Made During the Tempo Reign For the Imperial Court'. Excellent condition. The custom made wooden box included is somewhat distressed. Diameter 46 cm. Provenance: from a Japanese collection in its original wood dowelled protective box. A search of the internet reveals only one other very similar charger, in the collection of Rodney Shirley. Other map of Japan chargers of slightly different design do exist, for example Nancy Schiffer shows two on the front flyleaf and pages 50-51 of her publication Japanese Porcelain 1800-1950

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  • Charger - A charger is a type of large plate, typically used as a decorative base for smaller plates or bowls. They are often used in formal settings, such as at a banquet or a special occasion.

    The history of chargers can be traced back to medieval times, when they were used as a base for serving dishes in banquet settings. They were typically made of metal, such as silver or pewter, and were highly decorative, often featuring intricate engravings or designs.

    During the Renaissance period, chargers began to be made of porcelain, and their designs became more ornate. They were often used in the homes of the wealthy and were considered a symbol of wealth and status.

    In the 18th and 19th centuries, chargers were produced in great numbers by European porcelain manufacturers, and they were exported to America and other parts of the world. They were highly sought after by the upper class and were often used as a decorative element in formal table settings.
  • Edo Period, Japan - The Edo period in Japan lasted from 1603 to 1868. During this time, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate, a military government led by the Tokugawa family. The Edo period is characterized by a period of relative peace, stability, and economic growth, as well as by the development of a distinctive culture and society.

    During the Edo period, the capital of Japan was moved from Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), and the country became increasingly isolated from the rest of the world. The shogunate implemented strict policies to maintain control, including the restriction of foreign trade and travel. However, despite this isolation, the Edo period saw significant cultural and artistic development, including the emergence of the ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition, the growth of Kabuki theater, and the flourishing of a vibrant merchant culture.

    The Edo period ended with the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which saw the collapse of the shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule.
  • Distressed - Usually applied to describe the condition of an item of furniture, and means that the object is extremely worn and is verging on being unsuitable for its intended use, without some restoration or repairs being undertaken.

    Furniture can also be artificially distressed, by deliberate infliction of superficial damage to make it appear old. Artificial distressing can be done with the object of deceiving a purchaser, where the object is being passed off as "of the period", or can be done for aesthetic reasons so that a new object is made to appear as though it has been in use.

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