Japanese Blue and White Plate | Large Deep Charger | Imperial Ox Cart Ornament | Pine Bamboo Plum Peony | Traditional Porcelain Display Ware

The Story Behind This Piece:

Nestled among the majestic ridges of the Chugoku Mountains, the northern region of Hiroshima Prefecture is a place of rich natural beauty, enveloped in pristine white snowscapes during the winter months. In this historic rural landscape dotted with old prominent families and traditional houses, this magnificent deep charger plate adorned with an imperial oxcart emerged from a storehouse (kura) of an estate that has marked time since Japan's post-war era. This piece was crafted during the 1970s to 1980s (the late Showa period), a time when Japan was undergoing rapid economic growth, yet paradoxically experiencing a peak in the "Mingei (Folk Art) Boom" and "Antique Revival," where people re-evaluated the warmth of traditional Japanese aesthetics. The master of the estate, having achieved new prosperity during this era, acquired this grand plate to bring a sense of traditional Japanese soul into his lifestyle, using it for family celebrations and displaying it as a cherished symbol of their home.

Depicted with bold and precise brushwork at the very center of the plate is the Goshoguruma (an imperial oxcart), the elegant carriage of Heian-period court nobles, which has long been revered as a supreme symbol of wealth, high nobility, and a smooth, successful life journey. Surrounding the oxcart are the traditional auspicious motifs of Sho-Chiku-Bai (Pine, Bamboo, and Plum blossoms), which symbolize resilience through the harshest of winters. Furthermore, the lush peony flowers, representing immense wealth and honor, and the swirling Taiko-seki (scholars' rocks), which symbolize the eternal realm of immortals, are masterfully rendered in a single, deep shade of cobalt blue (gosu). This underglaze design was meticulously replicated using the advanced transfer-printing techniques of late Showa artisans, showcasing an outstanding design sense that seamlessly harmonized ancient courtly motifs with contemporary living spaces. Additionally, the intricate artificial crackle glaze (kannyu) spreading across the surface gives the plate a nostalgic, antique-like depth and tactile warmth.

During the late Showa era, a time centered around family gatherings, this large dish served as a majestic centerpiece for extravagant banquets or was proudly displayed in the tatami room's alcove, watching over the family's history. However, as the eras shifted to Heisei and Reiwa, and living spaces became increasingly Westernized, heavy traditional Japanese tableware gradually faded from daily life. Following a generational shift within the family, this plate was carefully wrapped and put away in a wooden box, stored in the deep, dark shelves of the storehouse to protect it from the severe northern winters, waiting for a future occasion.

Decades passed, and recently, as the estate was being organized to pass the home down to the next generation, the long-closed doors of the storehouse were opened, and this hidden treasure was finally brought back into the world. The greatest allure of this deep plate lies in its unique vintage value, representing the perfect blend of traditional aesthetics and everyday utility that could only have been produced during the late Showa era. The rich texture mimicking aged ceramics and the deep emotional resonance of the cobalt blue create a warm, nostalgic aura that modern, mass-produced items cannot replicate.

Recently, in both domestic and international interior design, integrating authentic Japanese vintage pieces that carry a retro Showa atmosphere into modern or Scandinavian-style living spaces as statement decor has become highly sought after as an expression of wabi-sabi. Carrying the breath of Hiroshima's beautiful northern highlands and the passion of Showa-era craftsmanship, this grand charger transcends being mere old tableware; it is a masterpiece that infuses any contemporary space with immense dignity and a rich historical narrative.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

Height: 5.5 cm (2.17 in)
Depth: 30.2 cm (11.89 in)
Width: 30.2 cm (11.89 in)
Base: 20.0 cm (7.87 in)
Weight: 1335 g (47.09 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.