Expert: Leisha Hiester - 8/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: we have inherited a gold imari dinner set, red with gold and white decorative images. Dinner plates, side plates, serving dish and coffee cups. Purchased in Okinawa in the late 60s. Is imari safe to eat off of? Thanks!

ANSWER: Dear Sue,

There is such a paranoia about the dangers of pottery glazes, so much so that there are now all kinds of test kits available. Trust me, the testing needed is so complicated that no take home kit can handle it.

It used to be that imports brought into our country weren't food-safe. They were made of a very high talc content clay. They were low-fired, brightly colored pieces. Standards have been set by government. Interesting, this all took place alongside the "asbestos & lead-based paint" scares.

I'm assuming the piece/pieces you have are porcelain. It's the low-fired, bright colored glazed fired below 2,000 degrees that are not safe. Porcelain is fired higher. When glaze if fired to maturity, it not longer can release anything harmful.

Feel free to send a photo if you like or set the table for dinner. :) Leisha







---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Leisha -- I have attached an image or 2 of the plates in question... the imari plates I have seen on the web are not this pattern -- but a more common pattern that looks like petal leaves with decoration inside. Have you come across this pattern before? Just curious...

ANSWER: Sue,

I received only one image; the mark on the back of the plate. It is a mid-20th century mark that was abandoned in 1984.  (October 29, 1984). This mark was first used December 1, 1959.

The applicant was Arita Bussan Co., Ltd. Corp. Japan No. 8, 3-Chrome Iida-Machi, Higashi-Ku, Nahoya, Japan.

Leisha



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You are amazing! I'm sorry the main image did not come through -- so I have attached it now. Would love any extra feedback you have... Particularly if you think I should be not be using these to keep them pristine....

Answer
Sue,

Beautiful!

It's just my opinion, and probably because I am a Christian, but I try to carefully use all that I have and enjoy it. I have lots of collectible pottery I decorate my home with. I have lots of teacups, teapots, etc. One of my best childhood memories is that of going to my aunt's house. She had over 1,500 teacup sets hanging on her wall. She'd tell me to pick one, any one and we'd have tea. It is a cherished memory. She also taught me to be careful with it and value it's craftsmanship. For me, I want to enjoy this life and every beautiful thing provided in it. What greater joy than to share with others? But, again it is a personal choice. Some collect for investment and that is another matter entirely.

1 Timothy 6:17
[ Instructions to the Rich ] Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

Leisha