The dishes, with narrowly scalloped rims and incised triple wisteria crests, were formed on a lathe.
The spaces between the crests are decorated with cherry blossom, maple leaves and an unusual Japanese oak.
This type of plate, with colourful decoration, is rarely found in Japanese collections and would have been made for the export market, 25.5cm.
The 1835 Burghley Inventory records: ‘Japan Closet, Japan in the Glass case opposite the door(s), sic, 2 Plates with Leaves embossed.’
The 1867 Burghley Inventory records: ‘Cabinets, No 88 Japan Closet, 2 (black and gold) plates with embossed leaves.’
