Royal Crown Derby "Imari - Old (1128)"

Royal Crown Derby Old Imari is one of the great names in English fine bone china. Known by its pattern number 1128, it is a richly detailed design with strong Japanese and Oriental influence, using the classic Imari palette of deep cobalt blue, iron red and gold.

The Imari style takes its name from the Japanese port of Imari, through which large quantities of Japanese porcelain were exported to Europe. By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, British factories were producing their own versions of these dramatic red, blue and gold designs, often known at the time as “Japan patterns”. Royal Crown Derby became especially associated with this style, and Old Imari remains one of its most recognisable examples.

Royal Crown Derby records Old Imari 1128 in its historic pattern books, and the pattern continues to be produced today. That long history is part of its appeal. It is not simply a pretty design, but a pattern with real continuity, linking nineteenth-century Derby porcelain traditions with modern Royal Crown Derby production.

The design itself is unmistakable. It combines bold panels, stylised flowers, geometric detail, strong red and blue contrast, and lavish gold work. Unlike many discontinued tableware patterns where gold trim is fairly modest, Old Imari is valued partly because of its generous use of genuine 22ct gold. This gives the pattern its richness, depth and high-value status.

Old Imari was made across a wide range of tableware and decorative pieces. Dinner plates, tea plates, cups and saucers, bowls, teapots, coffee pots, jugs, tureens, serving dishes and giftware can all be found, although individual pieces vary greatly in availability. As with many high-value patterns, serving pieces, older pieces and pieces in excellent condition can be especially sought after.

When replacing Royal Crown Derby Old Imari, it is worth checking the pattern number, shape, size and date mark where possible. Pattern 1128 is the classic Old Imari design, but Royal Crown Derby produced a number of Imari-style patterns over the years, so a similar red, blue and gold palette does not automatically mean the piece is Old Imari 1128.

Condition is also particularly important. Because the design includes genuine gold decoration, wear to the gilding can make a noticeable difference. Handwashing is advisable, and pieces should not be used in a microwave because of the gold content.

Old Imari is one of those patterns where replacement china can be both practical and collectible. Some customers are replacing a broken plate or missing saucer from a treasured service, while others are building a collection piece by piece. Either way, it remains one of Royal Crown Derby’s most impressive and enduring designs.