Vintage Japanese Arita Ware Plate Blue & White Sometsuke Floral, Signed Someka , c.1970

This beautifully crafted Japanese porcelain plate is a fine example of Arita ware , produced circa 1970. The piece features an intricate sometsuke design blue underglaze decoration depicting scrolling vines, stylized leaves, and blossoms in a harmonious radial pattern.

The plates scalloped rim and richly detailed border accentuate the central motif, demonstrating the elegance and symmetry typical of high-quality Arita ceramics. On the reverse, the piece bears a hand-painted signature (Someka or Senka), referencing the traditional sometsuke style and likely indicating the kiln or artisan name.

Origin: Arita, Japan

Era: Circa 1970s

Dimensions: 18.5 cm diameter × 3.4 cm  height

Decoration: Hand-painted underglaze cobalt blue (sometsuke)

Markings: Signed on base

Condition: Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs

Historical Context:

Arita ware originated in the early 17th century in the town of Arita, Saga Prefecture, following the discovery of porcelain clay. The sometsuke technique underglaze blue decoration was heavily influenced by Chinese Ming Dynasty porcelain and became a defining feature of Japanese export ware during the Edo period.

By the mid-20th century, traditional methods experienced a revival, with skilled artisans producing small batches of porcelain using historic patterns and techniques. This plate likely belongs to that postwar renaissance era, appealing to both domestic collectors and international markets seeking refined, hand-crafted porcelain.