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This marked, octagonal, Japanese, Imari, porcelain bowl is 9.0 cm high and 22.5 cm in diam. My guess would be that it's from the Meiji period, late 19th century. Maybe you can date it more precisely and translate the sign ?

Dear Golgatha

Since nobody here seems able to help, here are my own insights.

As a Japanese language student, I have to say I’ve never seen such a stylized pottery mark like this one. Assuming it is indeed an Imari plate from the Meiji period, you might find some clues if you interpret the mark as 山造 (yama-zō, “made by Yama”) — not simply "mountain" (yama), but likely a family kiln with that name.

The only similar one I know is Yamaka zo (山嘉造). So I wondered: what if this stylized mark is just an abbreviation of that? But that might just be a shot in the dark.

"Yamaka zo" could also be read as "Zanka zo." There was a Yamaka Porcelain company operating in Toki, Gifu Prefecture from 1913, but it’s unclear if this mark is connected to them. As I stated, I've never seen nothing like that.

Looking at your plate, the central medallion has a Chinese-derived floral roundel with four-petal motifs and what look like stylized hanging textiles (ribbons). They resemble 帯 (obi)-like drapery or decorative cloth. You might find similar designs on Ko-Imari export ware . I think that is possibly be the kōshi (格子) lattice motifs, but certainly there are the karakusa (唐草) scroll patterns (the white curving plant-like shapes on the red background here). It’s all quite abstract, but beautiful nonetheless.

I hope someone else can give you more definite answers, since I’m not entirely sure myself.

Have a nice weekend!

Dear Renato,

I thank you very much for your reply. My theory, until now, was that the mark is simply a 'fuku' mark for luck.

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