A finely decorated Chinese famille verte porcelain plaque. Exuberant and well decorated scene of figures in architectural and garden landscape, surrounded by a band of flower, bird and precious objects adorned reserves. An inscription on the verso. Originally a component in a chair, stool, table or screen, now entirely useful as a trivet or decoration (or perhaps to complete a rare early furniture item in need of an inset). 18th century. Good condition, with some glaze wear or fritting around the rim. 13 3/4 inches diameter.

Probably Echizen province, late 16th or 17th century. Bizen province artisans also took up Yoshiro zogan inlay work in the Kinai (ancient provinces and surrounds) manner. Brass (valuable in the period) and silver inlay flush with the iron surface was thought to have been introduced by an artisan named Yoshiro, for whom it is named. Slightly earlier, Heianjo school work tends to rest atop the surface into which it is inlaid. Late Muromachi or early Edo period. Length, about 12 inches. More pictures coming