Peony and Bird Underglaze Gold Leaf Ornamental Plate

The dish's spiraled rim contributes a whimsical element, while the meticulous gold detailing creates a captivating, reflective quality. The design intricately uses thick gold leaf for the petals and thin gold foil for the leaves, creating a stunning visual contrast. During the firing process, the leaves exhibit a unique crinkling effect, further enhanced by the noble violet glaze that seeps through, offering a play of light and shadow. This combination results in a piece that radiates fantastical beauty, inviting observers to delve into its intricate craftsmanship.

Contrasting golden flowers against the violet background offer a visual haven, a peaceful interlude in the midst of everyday life. This compelling color play provides a soothing escape, encapsulating the essence of fantasy and elegance in traditional Japanese porcelain art. Adding to the whimsical nature of the design is a small bird, intricately smaller than the flowers, positioned at the top. This bird is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with its feathers created by layering gold leaf and then finely etching details with a needle or blade, especially around the chest area, depicting the finesse of movement.

Yoshita Minori's work is a continuation of a rich historical legacy, drawing inspiration from centuries of patronage and cultural renaissance. His porcelain craft technique represents the culmination of generations of craftsmanship. It is more than an ornament; it is an emblem of the aesthetic ideals cherished by the Japanese nobility, a celebration of yugen – embodying the timeless elegance and profound beauty of Japanese artisanship.

Yoshita Minori, a master of Kutani porcelain, brought extraordinary artistry to this prestigious Japanese craft, particularly through his mastery of the yuri kinsai "underglaze gold leaf" technique. Born in 1932, Minori's influence has been pivotal in elevating Kutani ware, a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage nurtured by the Maeda Lords and the Maeda Marquis.This article celebrates Yoshita Minori's life and his significant contributions to Kutani porcelain. We explore his innovative approach to yuri kinsai and the lasting impact he has made on the world of porcelain art. Join us in appreciating the legacy of Yoshita Minori, a true visionary in the realm of Kutani ware.

Since its inception, MUSUBI KILN has strived to introduce the world to the finest traditional crafts from masters all around Japan.

Here, in the Gallery, we seek to showcase the highest echelon of traditional techniques, passed down through generations. You can discover works from masters who have not only perfected those methods, but added their imagination to innovate the craft even further.

Some of these masters have even been named Living National Treasures, a title bestowed upon them by the Japanese government to formally recognize their contribution to crafts and culture — thereby cementing their legacy and making them an important part of art history.

Each piece is meticulously handcrafted over many months to create a timeless treasure that's unlike any other. And when it's in your home, you, too, will become part of that history.