Rare Antique Edo period 17/18th Century Japanese Porcelain Plate Stand Arita Dish

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Condition Report: crackles lines over large part of the piece, 1 chip to rim with hairline and 3 body hairlines. Size: 17.5CM total diameter, inside opening diameter 6.3CM

This is a beautiful piece of antique Japanese porcelain — it looks like Arita or Imari ware, decorated in classic blue and white cobalt underglaze.

The central opening indicates that this is not a regular plate or saucer, but rather a stand or holder, most likely for a bowl or incense burner (kōro).

Given its proportions and the elevated ring in the center, this is most likely a stand for a small bowl or incense burner (kōro) — essentially an incense burner stand or bowl stand.

Here’s why that makes sense:

• The raised central ring would securely hold the base of a small vessel (such as a porcelain or bronze incense burner).

• The outer rim decorated with floral and geometric patterns would remain visible around the burner — both functional and decorative.

• The lotus and vine motifs fit well with ceremonial or religious uses, which supports the incense burner theory.

Arita ware, also known as Arita-yaki, has its origins in 1616, when a Korean farmer, Yi Sam-pyeong, discovered white clay kaolin in Arita and used it to create Japan’s first porcelain. Arita was the first place to produce ceramics in Japan. After the discovery, a number of kilns opened in the area and it soon became a source for Japanese export porcelain destined for Europe. The Dutch East India Company began exporting the porcelain in 1653. The export pieces were often made in Western shapes and forms and incorporating Chinese decoration. One example is Chinese Kraak decoration–the name derives from the Portuguese ships, Carracks, that transported the porcelain. The decoration is distinguished by its cobalt blue underglaze and foliated radial panels. Traditional motifs, such as stylised flowers, decorate these panels, with abstracted designs in between each one.