JAPAN, IMARI - 20th CENTURY Porcelain set decorated in blue underglaze, iron red and gold enamel, including : - a suite of four plates stenciled with flowers in the center and surrounded by three flower-decorated reserves. Diam. 22 cm - suite of four plates decorated with the three winter friends in the center, surrounded by three reserves decorated with rabbits. Diam. 22 cm - a bowl decorated with leaves in the center, surrounded by three reserves decorated with cranes among pines. Diam. 22 cm - a pair of bowls with stencilled decoration of three winter friends in the center, surrounded by three reserves decorated with flowers. Diam. 21 cm - a bowl with lacustrine decoration in the center, surrounded by four reserves of flowers on a geometric background. Diam. 16 cm - a bowl with three winter friends in the center, surrounded by three bird reserves. Diam. 21.5 cm - a bowl decorated with the three winter friends in the center, surrounded by three reserves decorated with birds and plants. Diam. 22 cm - a round, covered porcelain box, decorated in blue underglaze, iron red and gold enamel, with floral reserves. The lid is in the shape of a shishi holding a ball. Height: 14 cm The Three Friends of Winter are traditional Japanese motifs recurring in Imari porcelain. They represent pine, plum and bamboo, three plants believed to symbolize strength, perseverance and elegance respectively.