Large plate with overglaze peony design, Imari ware, Ko-Kutani style

This large plate exemplifies the most distinctive features of Old Kutani in both shape and design. It is a circular plate with rounded sides, featuring a layered depiction of a Taihu stone and three peony flowers at the center of the inside. This design, painted with deep purple and green overglazes, is unmistakably Old Kutani. Of the five peony-themed plates still in existence, this plate's design is the most ancient. The inside design is clearly framed by a regular octagon in deep blue, bounded by vermilion lines on both sides, leaving a small white area, creating a refined and elegant composition. The motif band around the periphery is divided into eight sections, colored in yellow, green, purple, and deep blue, and features a black line pattern of shippo-shaped connections, a four-sided sash, and lotus petals. The absence of red in the image itself, with red used only for the dividing lines, creates a striking visual effect. The reverse is adorned with a chrysanthemum arabesque pattern with flowers on three sides. The black line drawing is overlaid with indigo blue paint, and the brushwork is extremely unrestrained. The foot is inscribed with a double circle of the Kakufuku inscription, which is also indigo blue.