A Large Japanese Oval Imari Platter

19th century, porcelain hand painted in polychrome enamels with an unusual central decoration of delicate pink with butterflies encircled by a gilt diaper pattern, a thick border runs around the rim with iron red ground and gilt spirals, four cobalt blue ruyi shaped vignettes feature birds with seasonal flowers, between these are smaller circular medallions with figures from the Tale of Genji a popular literary novel from the 11th century, gilt to rim, underside if unglazed.
21 1/8 x 15 3/8 in.

Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Some circular light gray stained areas around the center of the platter; slight warping from firing to one side; some unknown finishing over some of underside.