Japanese Imari Ceramic

   Japanese Imari Ceramic 万里焼 Imari-yaki?) defined as* a type of Arita ware (田焼 Arita-yaki?) traditionally made in the town of Arita, in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyūshū. They were exported to Europe extensively from the port of Imari, Saga, between the second half of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century. It is characterized by vivid green, blue, purple, yellow and red colors in bold designs of landscapes and nature. Early pieces were blue and white.
      I found this 20th century charger at a thrift store two nights ago.  I tend to stay away from newer Asian pottery but I thought the size (14 1/4 in.) and hand painted details of this charger made for an exception.  The markings on the back, although new and stamped, looked interesting as well.  This is the first piece of Japanese pottery I have ever purchased and admittedly I was out of my depth.  Deciphering a mark is like well, trying to read Chinese! Who made this piece? Where was it made? Is it special? As it turned turns out yes and no.  Logging 40 min. of research time on the internet I was able to determine that part of the seal mark indicates that is was 'carefully made' and possibly the word Toki??? In addition, the sticker also reveals that is was a 'specially made' piece.  But alas, and unfortunately, while it seems to be "specially made" and it is probable there is the name of the artist somewhere in there, it just doesn't seem to be worth that much.  I found several lesser examples in size and detail that brought in on average...wait for it $10-25 dollars. On a good day, I figure, the actual sale value (ASV) of my find is $40-50 dollars.  Sadly in most cases the ASV does not represent the actually value.  The porcelain is fine, the colors are rich with veins of brilliant contrast (see the green under the tree branch), and the time it would have taken to finish this piece, even by a seasoned artist, is more time that most people take doing anything these days. So while it is a piece of art to me it seems rather under valued and over saturated. Find rating: 1 out of 5 stars. ⭐️

*definition courtesy of Wikipedia