For sale is a large, hexagonal black Hawthorne plate with wisteria and figures in colored enamel, made by Koransha between 1875 and 1880 during the early Meiji period. Based on the red enamel Ran mark, the black Hawthorne design, and the typeface of the inscription, this rare piece was produced by Eizaemon Fukagawa of Koransha between 1875 and 1880 (Meiji 8-13). This is because the mark was not used before the establishment of Koransha. Koransha was founded in April 1875 by Suminosuke Fukami, Shozo Tsuji, Kamenosuke Tezuka, and Eizaemon Fukagawa VIII. It was the first porcelain manufacturing company in Japan. The company name, Koransha, is an analogy for the association of gentlemen who share one heart, and it also sounds similar to "kaolin," the Western term for porcelain clay. The establishment was driven by the expansion of overseas export opportunities due to the Meiji Restoration, and after exhibiting at the Vienna World's Fair in 1873, a group of enthusiasts gathered to participate in the 1876 Philadelphia World's Fair. This work is a masterpiece by Eizaemon Fukagawa VIII. The black or brown ground is reminiscent of pieces made at the Jingdezhen kiln in China during the Kangxi period (1662-1722) of the Qing dynasty. These pieces, which were popular among European and American collectors from the late 18th to the early 19th centuries, were known as "Black Hawthorne." Hawthorne refers to the Western hawthorn. Research suggests that this popularity arose because Western powers had expanded into China. Works modeled after Black Hawthorne are on display at the "Koransha Old Ceramics Exhibition Hall" on the second floor of the Koransha headquarters. This is a fine piece depicting figures in the hanging wisteria in the center, representing the four seasons. The black background enhances the colors of the Western cobalt and makes the figures stand out. The inscription reads "Hizen Arita," "Koransha," and "Fukagawa Zo," and the double name with the mark on the foot makes it a valuable historical artifact. As an early work from the time of Koransha's founding, the number of pieces in circulation is extremely limited, making it a rare item. There is some wear and tear on the gold decoration due to the passage of time, but there are no cracks or chips, and the condition is considered good. The dimensions are 52.0 cm diagonally, making it an extra-large plate. *Please be aware that listings outside of Mercari and auctions are likely scams. Do not be deceived. Type: Pottery Type: Porcelain Type: Large bowl Kiln: Imari ware/Arita ware