Vista Alegre Imari Box - Porcelain with Oriental Floral Decoration and Lid

Vista Alegre Imari Collection Box - Hand-Painted Oriental Floral Decoration

Elegant rectangular porcelain box from Vista Alegre 's "Imari" line, decorated with exuberant hand-painted oriental floral motifs in shades of rust red, cobalt blue, and gold. A sophisticated piece that celebrates the tradition of Japanese Imari porcelain, reinterpreted by Vista Alegre.

Part Characteristics

• Manufacturer: Vista Alegre - a Portuguese tradition since 1824
• Line: Imari (inspired by Japanese Arita porcelain)
• Brand: "18 VA 24 VISTA ALEGRE PORTUGAL" and "IMARI"
• Shape: Rectangular box with rounded corners and a fitted lid.
• Decoration: Chrysanthemums and oriental flowers in red, blue, and gold.
• Finishing: Cobalt blue trim on the edges

Imari Decoration

The box features rich Imari-style decoration, characterized by a combination of cobalt blue, rust red (iron red), and gold details on a white background. The body of the box is decorated with a large chrysanthemum in shades of orange-red and golden brown, flanked by cobalt blue leaves with gold veins and small embossed pink flowers.

The lid repeats the floral motifs with orange flowers, blue leaves, and decorative elements that create visual continuity with the body. Cobalt blue fillets frame both the body and the lid, adding structure and elegance to the composition.

The Imari Style

The Imari style originates from Japanese porcelain produced in Arita and exported through the port of Imari from the 17th century onwards. It is characterized by a distinctive palette of cobalt blue, rust red, and gold, with exuberant floral motifs, especially chrysanthemums, peonies, and plum blossoms.

This style became extremely popular in Europe, influencing manufacturers such as Meissen, Chantilly and, naturally, Vista Alegre, which created its own interpretation of this oriental tradition with the technical excellence of Portuguese porcelain.

Form and Functionality

The rectangular shape with gently rounded corners is elegant and practical, offering ample storage capacity. The lid fits perfectly onto the body, protecting the contents. This versatile box can be used to store jewelry, small items, tea, or simply as a luxurious decorative piece.

Technical and Quality

The decoration is meticulously hand-painted, showcasing the characteristic craftsmanship of Vista Alegre. Golden details on the veins of the leaves and decorative elements add sophistication and visual richness. The quality of the white porcelain provides the perfect backdrop to highlight the vibrant colors of the Imari decoration.

State of Conservation

Box in excellent condition. The floral decoration remains vibrant with well-preserved colors and intact gold details. The blue trim is crisp. Original lid perfectly fitted. No chips, cracks, or restorations. Piece ready for use or display.

An ideal piece for Vista Alegre collectors, for those who appreciate porcelain with Imari oriental decoration, for storing precious objects, or as a luxurious decorative element. A testament to Vista Alegre's ability to reinterpret oriental traditions with Portuguese elegance and quality.