Very large dish on footring, spreading sides. On the base fifteen spur-marks. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red, black and gold. In the centre peonies in a flower basket with dragon-shaped handles surrounded by a band with four pairs of cherry blossoms and foliate scrolls. On the sides a river scene with three representations of a boat with a canopy and figures, rocks, a pavilion, flowering peony, cherry and pine sprays and an arched bridge. On the reverse of the sides a blue band with peony sprays and small medallions with a chrysanthemum spray. Around this sprays with chrysanthemum, peony and cherry. Around the foot a spiralling band. On the base a chrysanthemum spray. This impressive dish is a perfect example of 'classic' Imari. Although only the three basic colours have been used, with a few touches of black for the hair on the figure in the boat, it is still a luxurious piece of superior quality. It required enormous skill to fire such large dishes.