This finely painted plate with scalloped rim copies a Japanese Imari design. The original would have had panels of diaper and floral motifs around a central image of flowering prunus. Here, the design has been simplified with fewer radiating panels and scattered chrysanthemum medallions. This pattern is known as ‘Old Mosaic’ and when used on Worcester porcelain, it is usually accompanied by an imitation Chinese mark on the base. The manufacturers probably hoped to fool European buyers into thinking that they were buying imported porcelain.Japanese porelain in the Imari style had a great impact on European ceramics. Imari porcelain was produced in the area of Arita in present-day Saga prefecture on Kyushu Island and derived its name from the port where it was shipped. The range of enamels used on Imari wares is fairly wide but generally consists of blue, red and gold. The colours and patterns of Imari wares were reproduced by European porcelain factories, highlighting the popularity of Japanese designs with European customers in the 18th century.
