These wonderful and scarce large size plates are known as an “uma-no-me zara” ("horse-eye" plate). It is a heavily potted, glazed stoneware plate with seven oval-shaped decorations freely executed in underglaze iron pigments on a crackled ground. Edo period, mid-19th century.
 
In the mid to late Edo period, horse-eye plates were one of the standard utilitarian products produced by the Seto kilns. Used for serving food, they appeared in restaurants and inns along the Tokaido Road from Kyoto to Edo, as well as in ordinary homes. Horse-eye plates are the quintessential example of Japanese mingei pottery, and no major Japanese folk art collection would be considered complete without one. They are bold, fresh, powerful and contemporary in feeling.
 
A horse-eye motif is similar to a bull’s eye a concentric circle design except that the elongated horse-eye is ovoid rather than round, and the innermost circle is against one long side rather than in the middle. Prior to applying a clear glaze on this plate, the design was painted with iron oxide. The color of the design is a handsome, variegated reddish-brown color. The bold spiral patterns, which were painted very quickly, are imbued with great energy. The thick foot rim is unglazed.
 
Sold as a pair. The age of the plates is unknown but are estimated to be about 150 years old, possibly from the late Edo period. Purchased and imported in the 70s these amazing plates are no longer being imported.
 
Previously owned and displayed proudly. These two lovely antique plates were purchased in Japan and as befitting their age have chips and cracks that add to their character.
 
The Blair Private Collection.
 
Larger plate is 13.5" (Diam.) The smaller is 12" (Diam.)