Vintage Royal Crown Derby Traditional Imari 2451 Bread and Butter Side Plate 6 inches

This Traditional Imari pattern has been manufactured since 1902 by the Royal Crown Derby China company, based in England.  Recently discontinued, the Traditional Imari pattern is one of the most elegant patterns ever manufactured, with its deep coloring and its distinctive panel design.  This listing is for a vintage 6.25 inch diameter side plate that was only used on display in a China cabinet.  Royal Crown Derby is one of the most prestigious manufactures of fine china and currently produces similar patters to Traditional Imari such as Old Imari, Old Imari Solid Gold Band, and Heraldic Gold which share its distinctive panel design.  The distinctively Japanese palette of iron red, cobalt blue and gold incorporates diamond lozenges and stylized floral motifs against the brilliant white bone china.  Delicate gold edging adds to the harmony and balance considered so vital in much of Japanese art.

Royal Crown Derby Traditional Imari #2451 was first introduced in 1887 and was based on an earlier pattern 877 made in 1880.  After more then 100 years in production, this pattern was discontinued in 2014.  Like all the Imari range, sometimes referred to as Japan Ware, Traditional Imari was influenced by patterns first sourced over 200 years ago from the port of Imari on a small Japanese island named Kyushu.  While Royal Crown Derby were neither the originators of the sole producers of the Imari pattern, they certainly became the most famous and their name is now synonymous with this exquisite range which features cobalt blue, derby red, and burnished 22 carat gold.  The Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company is the oldest remaining English porcelain manufacturer, based in Derby, England.  The company, particularly known for its high-quality bone china, has produced tableware and ornamental items since approximately 1750.  It was originally known as "Derby Porcelain" until 1773, when it became "Crown Derby", the "Royal" being added in 1890.