Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Royal Crown Derby pattern is used in this necklace?

This pendant is cut from Royal Crown Derby's Old Imari pattern, one of the maker's most celebrated designs, combining cobalt blue, iron red (sometimes described as orange-red), and gold in the classic Japanese-inspired Imari style. For the fuller history, see our post on Royal Crown Derby Imari china jewelry: https://eclectiquas.com/blogs/news/royal-crown-derby-imari-a-legacy-reimagined-in-modern-upcycled-porcelain-jewelry

What does "Imari" mean?

Imari refers to both a place and a porcelain style. It's named after the Japanese port of Imari, on the island of Kyushu, through which Japanese porcelain in this distinctive blue, red, and gold style was exported to Europe in the 1600s and 1700s. Over time, "Imari" came to describe the design itself — the rich color palette and layered floral and geometric patterning — which European makers like Royal Crown Derby adopted into their own patterns.

What is the history of the Old Imari china pattern?

Royal Crown Derby's Old Imari, pattern number 1128, was first recorded in the company's pattern books in 1882, inspired by the Japanese Imari wares that had been prized by European collectors for over a century. The pattern's cobalt blue, iron red, and 22-karat gold detailing quickly became one of Royal Crown Derby's signature designs, and it remains in production today — one of the longest-running patterns in the company's history.