Imari is the general term that is used to describe porcelain wares exported from Japan, or the patterns that were made in the west to look like the Japanese wares. Since the term is used loosely, Imari can describe a multitude of porcelains spanning hundreds of years and originating from numerous countries.
The original Imari is named after the city in Japan where a great deal of porcelain was exported starting in the 17th century. Technically, antique Japanese Imari porcelain can have a simple underglaze blue decoration only. However, the term is primarily used to describe the wares that have underglaze blue decoration, and additional red and gold painted decoration over the glaze. Sometimes pieces have green or other colors painted on them as well.
The Europeans and British loved the Chinese and Japanese export wares and have been copying the Imari patterns for over two hundred years. The British-made versions have achieved a quality and style that has earned an equally high or perhaps higher status and value than the original Japanese-made Imari. Imari-styled or Imari-colored porcelains have been made by nearly all china producing factories around the world. In fact, now one can find Japanese versions of English interpretation of antique Japanese Imari.
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