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Proverb of the Snapped Plum Branch: Ketsuzan Fine Porcelain & its Meanings

Have you ever looked at a vintage Porcelain Japanese Exports or Oriental Art inspired hand-painted plate and wonder about the beautiful scenery and tradition pose or stance that each piece of art capture? Or have you ever look at the back of backside of the plate and wonder what does it actually say or mean? Here at Retro Reverie we have freely compiled a few key sections of insight for this hand-painted decorative décor plate of Japanese Fine Porcelain Exports (from the Mid-late Modern 20th Century c.1980s). A curated perspective featuring a collector's thorough outlook on the insight and basic translations of the frontside and the backstamp label on the backside of the décor plate . An exquisite presentation revealing a history of a personal seal of signatures from a renowned Artist, Dates from decades ago, Rank / Registry Number, Brand / Manufacturer, Style / Design, and the Iconic heart-felt 18th-century poem of Kaga no Chiyo.

VINTAGE JAPANESE PORCELAIN

Retro Reverie References

9/23/20264 min read

The Kiln of "The Plum Blossoms" Fine-Porcelain Collector Plate

This plate, the first issue in the Poetic Visions of Japan collector's plate series, captures the aesthetic essence of a multi-century haiku, bringing its world to life. It is crafted in the tradition of fine porcelain by Ketsuzan-Kiln under a strict limited edition of 100 firing days, and bears the official design certification of the Japan Ceramic Design Center.

Visual Elements & Design Symbols


The front of the plate showcases the beautiful visual adaptation of the haiku, bringing Yoshiharu Katoh's artistic interpretation to life.


The central figure is dressed in an elegant blue kimono patterned with traditional motifs, holding an opened sensu (folding fan) and a classic oiled-paper umbrella (wagasa).


She stands on a traditional wooden arched bridge, a classic motif in Japanese landscape art representing a path through changing seasons.


The left and lower right sections are filled with blooming pink and white plum blossoms (ume). In Japanese culture, plum blossoms are celebrated as the first flowers to bloom in late winter/early spring, symbolizing resilience, hope, and inner strength because they bloom even amidst the snow.


The Geisha/Bijin

The Crimson Bridge

The Blooming Plum Blossoms

The Intentions & Meanings of Master Yoshiharu Kotoh


The Japanese text handwritten and stamped on the back of the plate provides the official documentation, backstory, and certification for the piece. Here is the full breakdown of what it says:

This reads 「梅の花」 (Ume no Hana / Plum Blossoms), clearly identifying the title of the artwork.



This is the artist's signature 芳春 (Yoshiharu) accompanied by his red personal seal stamp

The Main Descriptive Text (Right Side)Reading from right to left, the three vertical columns of text say: 一九八八 — 1988

限定版・名匠加藤芳春氏作「梅の花」 — Limited Edition · Created by Master Artisan Yoshiharu Katoh, "Plum Blossoms"

皿固有番号 A 四九四二 — Unique Plate Number A 49422.




Ume no Hana / Plum Blossoms

Personal Artisan Seal

Year, Plate Number, & Edition

The Visual Documentation & Poem of the Kiln with Perfect Brush-Strokes!


The Middle Narrative Paragraph The longer block of cursive-style script in the center explains the artistic concept behind the series: "This plate, the first issue in the Poetic Visions of Japan collector's plate series, captures the aesthetic essence of a multi-century haiku, bringing its world to life. It is crafted in the tradition of fine porcelain by Ketsuzan-Kiln under a strict limited edition of 100 firing days, and bears the official design certification of the Japan Ceramic Design Center.”



The large, elegant brush script on the far left features a classic 18th-century poem by the famous poetess Kaga no Chiyo: 「手折らるる人に薫るや梅の花」 — "Even to the person who snaps its branch, the plum blossom leaves its fragrance."



千代尼 — Chiyoni (The artist's official signature at the bottom left)



Artisan's Concept of Series

The Haiku Poem

Artisan's Signature

Authenticity with an Official Seal


The Top Red Box Stamp Features the traditional stylized kanji characters for 窯山傑 (Ketsuzan-Kiln).


Bottom Red Text Stamp: Reads (財)日本陶磁器意匠センター / 意匠認証済, which translates to (Foundational Quality) Japan Ceramic Design Center / Design Certified.



Official Ketsuzan Label

Certification of Product Quality

Bring a part of Classical Japanese Elegance to your Home Décor Today!

Showcasing this Beautiful 1988 Vintage Porcelain Collector-Grade 8.5" Plate by Ketsuzan-Kiln, for Collectors at Heart.

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