Plate with blown ink pattern and Chinese character "吉”, Ai-kutani type, Arita ware

This plate features a large  ”吉（lucky）” character in the center. The character is outlined in white, and the rest of the plate is covered in cobalt blue using the blown ink technique, creating a clean and stylish design.

This design is rarely seen in old blue and white porcelain ware fired during the Ming Dynasty in China. It is likely a copy of an old blue and white porcelain ware, but examples made in Arita are rare.

The character in the center is made using the ink bomb technique. First, the character is drawn with ink, and then cobalt blue is blown over it. The glue contained in the ink repels the cobalt blue on top of the ink. When this is then glazed and fired, the ink is burned away, resulting in a pale white finish.

Each stroke is drawn boldly, making this a powerful and auspicious character.

The blown ink is fine and even, and the gradation of the different sizes of the ink particles and the shades of color gives a sense of depth and rhythm.

The large grains in particular have a deep blue color from the cobalt blue, which gives off a pleasing color tone that is characteristic of the early Arita ware, Ai-Kutani type, made in the early Edo period.

Turning it over reveals a large, sturdy base. The base has a simple design with only a thick, circular line around it. The back is also crafted in the style of Ai-Kutani.

The box has a label that says it is early Imari, but as mentioned above, the workmanship makes it a fine piece of early Arita ware that can be classified as indigo Kutani.

Above all, it has a refreshing style and is a rare and excellent piece.

[Responsible for: Mao Otsuka]