1950s Vintage Japanese Gold Leaf Plate

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Appreciated for its elegant silhouettes and decorative homages to tradition, Japanese décor has a matchless aesthetic that is prized worldwide. … Read more Appreciated for its elegant silhouettes and decorative homages to tradition, Japanese décor has a matchless aesthetic that is prized worldwide. Ukiyo-e, traditional woodblock printing, is perhaps one of the most recognizable Japanese art forms, and was one of the most popular modes during the Edo Period, which spanned the 17th through 19th centuries; a canonical example is The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, an artist working primarily in the Edo period but whose work remains both prevalent and popular today. Similarly, the time-honored technique of lacquering, used decoratively on small objects such as inro or jubako, has remained unchanged for centuries, but it's timeless aesthetic makes it a particularly sought-after finish on a range of décor objects. Traditional Japanese porcelain has maintained its status as some of the best in the world, and is highly admired and collected for its exquisite compositions – both materially and artistically. Imari, a type of brightly colored porcelain that first began to be exported to Europe during the mid-17th century, remains a prized commodity for its artistry and craftsmanship. Imari arguably reached one of its most opulent and exquisite zeniths during the Meiji period, which followed the Edo period between 1868 and 1912. Similarly, Satsuma pottery, recognized for its soft beige, crackled glazing, and often narrative designs, was most exceptionally made at the start of the Meiji period, though later examples are equally appreciated. Outside of pottery, traditional Japanese furnishings are often exemplary of both craftsmanship and artistry, such as byobu (commonly known as screens), which features lavishly painted scenes ranging from everyday life to symbolic motifs like cranes. Traditional Japanese furniture types, like tansu or sword chests, though often inspired by historical pieces, are complementary to more modern interior design schemes due to their clean lines and usability. Modern Japanese furniture applies the same tenets of thoughtful design and understated sophistication as that of historical pieces. During the mid-20th century, Japanese architects and designers embraced modernism in much the same way as their Western counterparts. Sori Yanagi, for example, created pieces like the famed Butterfly stool, noted for its blending of simplicity, practicality and Japanese craftsmanship. Along with Yanagi, other notable designers, such as Shiro Kuramata, Kappei Toyoguchi and Riki Watanabe, have also underscored Japan’s preeminence in the field of modernism, ensuring the country’s standing as a leader in modern design and paramount craftsmanship. See less