53 Imari plate with overglaze enameled design, kingfisher in lotus pond (1640-50)

This design must be popular because several similar designs of lotus flower and bird are known. The flower is deep purple and the leaves are green and yellow, but red is used only for the bird’s head. The design is simple and well organized. I would say this masterpiece of old Kutani ware was created during its heyday.
(“The Complete Works of Soetsu Yanagi — Pictorial records — Soetsu Yanagi’s collection — Encyclopedia of Mingei vol. 1”, The Japan Folk Crafts Museum (ed.), published 15th July 1981.)