Antique (c. 1880) Japanese Ceramic Hand Painted Imari Dish Crane & Tortoise

This is an antique mid Meiji Era (c.1880) Japanese ceramic plate /kashizara appetizer dish with a hand painted design of the three elements of happiness pine, bamboo and plum blossom. It also has in gold a crane and tortoise, the elements of longevity and eternal life.

The bottom shows the type of 4 point kiln footing used 140 years ago (see pictures 4, 7, &amp 8).

This type of plate, Kashizara was used as a dish to hold snacks (especially cakes), or small appetizers often used in chado (tea ceremony). It measures 8" in diameter by 1 3/4" tall (20 x 4.5 cm). Having been in storage for over a century, it remains in very fine condition. A great size for serving something very special.