Japanese Meiji Imari Porcelain Charger, circa 1860

The late father of the collector of this exquisite pair, who operated one of the leading kilns in Imari-Arita region of Japan, travelled extensively to Europe in the early 1960s with a mission that he led, to purchase and bring back to Japan antique ceramics that had been exported from Japan to the west over the past 250 years. A total of 104 pieces were acquired and brought back. These were very unique pieces, designed and produced to export to Europe and later to America too, mostly in the 18th up to very early 20th century. These were carefully studied and extensively copied in the hope of creating products that conformed with the long-standing tastes and preferences in the west and bringing back the glory of that era. He concentrated on purchasing massive masterpieces that originated from his region of Imari-Arita. Records show that the mission did a considerable portion of its buying in London. All the 104 pieces have been in his museum quality private collection. This pair of Meiji porcelain vases is among these 104 exceptional and unique pieces.