ID set of china plates w Japanese engravings, please?

Hi all,
My first post; thanks in advance for any help. We inherited a set of china plates from my great aunt. I tried to do some research on eBay, but a) I couldn't find a great match, and b) there was a very wide range of values.

The set is 12 china plates, one for each month of the year. There is some texture to the surface of the plate and the rim, so maybe some inlay / engraving? The plates came with Gumps felt seperators between them; could be a clue, but she may have also just recycled those. Each plate is 10 inches in diameter. Each plate depicts a scene related to the month (making sweet cakes, cherry blossoms, watching chrysanthemums, celebrating new year, etc.).

Happy to answer anything else that may help in the quest to ID / value!

all the best,
Steven

(photos posted in Reply … sorry)

 

Welcome, Steven! Did you forget to post your photographs? (When you do, please be sure and click on Full Image please.)

Debora

 

Sorry, took me a while to figure out how to reduce size. appreciate the help!
Steven

 

Not a problem. Happens a lot to new members (which we all were once.)

Debora

 

Aren't those pretty? Don't know if from Gump's but certainly the type of thing (and the quality) that Gump's used to sell.

Debora

 

Satsuma earthenware. Beautiful quality.

 

Hi Steven, Your plates are japanese, and as @blooey above mentiond satsuma type. Its produced by firma kinkozan (1645 to 1927). They went on to become the largest producer of Satsuma ware, from the end of the 19th century until 1927 after which the factory closed. Your platse are from early 20th century. they are finely decorated in polychrome, each depicting one of the twelve months of the year, featuring the month with figures, each with a different kimono and surrounding trees or flowers.

do you have the complete set? very nice heritage

 

The pre-1927 would work with Gump's. The store started importing from the Far East following the 1906 earthquake.

Debora

 

Here you go. This appears to be a similar months-of-the-year set, although less ornate.

https://www.aspireauctions.com/#!/catalog/310/1315/lot/45328

Debora

Debora

 

sorry im not familiar with Gumps. what or who is Gumps?

 

Really nice Kinkozan plates. They can be very valuable see Bonhams sale 2017

 

A luxury goods store in San Francisco. Founded in the Gold Rush-era. Especially known for their Asian imports, including jade jewelry.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gump's

Debora

 

Ah. Those are better examples, John. And valuable indeed!

Debora

 

I would take these plates to a Japanese porcelain expert for a hands on inspection.

 

Here are some more. They need to be seen by a specialist. I have sold a lot of Satsuma through Bonhams in London and can put you in touch with Suzanna Yip the head of the Japanese department who will advise you if you message me. nYours look good quality and all hand painted.

 

Debora is Rghit, those are much better examples John and 19th century but as above said, he can better take this to an axpert

 

Wow, thank you all so much. What a super helpful community. I will follow up directly with Mr John Brassey. Thank you all again, and have a wonderful day.

best,
Steven

 

Thank you Debora!

 

Thank you for the research, John! Really appreciate it.