A PAIR OF IMARI LARGE PLATESMeiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-1926), or Showa (1926-1989) era, 20th centuryPainted in underglaze-blue, enamels and gilt with a central medallion of a Dutch sailing vessel surrounded by pairs of conversing Dutchmen wearing hats and fanciful coats alternating with stylised leafy coats-of-arms and repeated Dutch s enclosed within a lobed rectangular reserve, the exterior with sprays ofkarakusa ('Chinese grasses); the base inscribed with a six character Chinese mark,Qi yu bao ding zhi zhen ('Treasured vessel of marvellous jade').Each plate: 40.7cm (16in) diam. (2).