Antique Shida Imari Plate Blue White Kasedori Festival Rabbit Moon Folk Art Rare

A. Introduction

Discover a rare piece of Japanese folklore with this late Edo-period Shida Ware (Shida-yaki) plate. Shida ware is a celebrated provincial kiln from the Hizen area, known for its bold, humorous, and storytelling designs that differ from standard Imari.

B. Features & Cultural Context

• The "Kasedori" Festival: The central figures are "Kasedori" dancers wearing Kendai (conical straw costumes). This traditional winter festival from Kaminoyama City, Yamagata, involves praying for fire safety and business prosperity—a rare and highly collectible motif in antique porcelain.

• The Radiant Moon & Lucky Rabbit: * Top Left: A stylized Radiant Moon, casting its celebratory light over the scene.

  • Left: A Rabbit, a classic Japanese symbol of "leaping forward" (progress) and good fortune. Its long ears and playful posture confirm it is a rabbit, often paired with the moon in folklore.

• Unique Shida Ware Kiln Marks: * Sand-encrusted Foot: Traces of kiln sand remain inside the foot ring. This was used to support the plate's weight during firing to prevent the base from sagging—a hallmark of authentic Shida production.

  • Glazed Foot Ring (Tatami-tsuki): Unlike standard Arita, the contact point is often glazed or roughly finished, showing the rustic "Mingei" (folk art) character of provincial kilns.

C. Size & Weight

• Dimensions: Approx. 19 cm x 19 cm (7.48 in)

• Height: 3.7 cm (1.45 in)

• Weight: 432 g (0.95 lbs)

D. Condition: Antique

• Overall: Excellent antique condition for its age.

• Kiln Effects: The sand adhesion on the back is a natural result of the 19th-century manufacturing process and is considered a sign of authenticity by collectors. Please see photos for glaze details.

E. Conclusion

This is not just a plate, but a "snapshot" of 19th-century Japanese rural life. With its Rinka (lobed) rim and energetic indigo painting, it is a perfect addition for collectors of Japanese folk art and unique blue-and-white porcelain.