Festive Arita Ware for the Holiday Season

As fallen autumn leaves color the streets and crispness permeates the air, we hear the faint tip-toes of the many celebratory holidays coming our way. And as home becomes the heart of intimate and joyous gatherings, what better way to entertain and show your hospitality to your guests than by serving a feast on exquisitely crafted Japanese tableware with a festive flair?

This year, we have curated an array of chic and unique Arita ware items that will brighten up your table and add auspicious symbolism to your setting. Enjoy the captivating world of Arita ware, its storied significance, and the magical ways it can elevate your celebrations.

Here are five stunning Arita ware items that will grace your table with their beauty and charm this holiday season.

This Jubako bento box from Arita Porcelain Lab is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Artisans skillfully hand-paint each piece, resulting in subtle nuances on the surface that are unique to hand-applied brushstrokes. The matte gold finish gives the bento box a luxurious feel both inside and out.

What sets this bento box apart? It's microwave-safe, defying the norm for gilded tableware. Place dishes in each tier and warm them up right before your guests arrive.

Its multi-functional design allows it to be both a three-tiered bento box or separate individual plates and bowls. This golden conic piece will undoubtedly shine as a centerpiece during celebratory meals.

Serve a complete meal for one in the Conic Jubako Bento Box. Set a sushi dinner complete with dessert and an appetizer, offering a delightful change from the usual lacquerware bento box or wooden tray.

When used individually, each plate and bowl can add golden accents to a celebratory spread. With a single Conic Jubako Bento Box, you have the versatility to showcase five different items on a canvas of gold.

This square plate from Arita Porcelain Lab captivates with its classical patterns embedded within small circles, evoking the image of asteroids across a contemporary space.

On pristine Arita ware porcelain, motifs of pine trees, bamboo, plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, cranes, and phoenixes are elegantly presented. Each motif, rich in Japanese cultural significance, carries an auspicious resonance. Their presence not only accentuates special moments but also enhances the overall ambiance when set at the table.

This piece excels at showcasing dishes with vibrant colors and varied heights, such as our rose-design silky salmon and cucumber rolls.

The charm of the designs is brilliantly highlighted, offering a visually enchanting display. Arrange the items to reveal the underlying intricate patterns, delivering a treat that pleases both the palate and the eyes.

Inspired by the finesse of woodwork, the large Kaizan Kiln Arita Long Plate is an Arita ware masterpiece. The carved patterns echo the intricate textures of tree bark, harmoniously melding with its metallic hue for a striking appearance. Its elongated shape, gently elevated edges, and the tactile sensation of its surface make this piece perfect for presenting an array of delicacies, from appetizers to desserts.

Take advantage of its long design to line up appetizers for a buffet-style festal meal. Layer it with thinly sliced delicacies, from cured meats to artisanal cheeses, letting its gilded sheen peek through.

Or, for a more traditional touch, use this plate to present a row of sushi pieces. The golden hue of the plate contrasts beautifully with the vibrant colors of the fish.

This Tasei Kiln Arita sauce plate, with its profound symbolism, promises to make a lasting impression at cheerful gatherings. Its central design, the plum blossom knot, carries the meaning of health, protection, and enduring bonds, sentiments aligned with celebrations focused on strengthening relationships.

Each intricate hand-painted line on the plate embodies these steadfast bonds. Marrying the radiant sheen of Arita ware with an artisanal design, the plate gracefully blends contemporary opulence with age-old tradition. It is no wonder these plates have become a cherished item in table designs for year-end and New Year's celebrations in Japan, as it captures the season's spirit of unity and bonding.

These Tasei Kiln sauce plates are perfect for individual servings of soy sauce, wasabi, or gourmet dips. They stack neatly, introducing elegant lines to any table setting. They particularly stand out when paired with sushi, sashimi, or bite-sized tempura.

Given their compact size, they also excel at presenting chic desserts like mochi or matcha-infused delicacies.

With its century-long legacy, Zuiho Kiln artfully expresses the spirit of Arita ware, crafting pieces that harmonize tradition with the demands of modern living.

Evoking the timeless charm of chrysanthemums, a cherished symbol of longevity, sincerity and dignity in Japanese culture, these plates from Zuiho Kiln are truly special. While they are a perfect fit for Tsukidashi, the traditional Japanese appetizer served with sake, their versatility shines with everything from canapés to desserts. For a holiday-themed dinner, let these plates add that delightful touch of grace and warmth to your table.

Start your party with serving nuts, dried fruit or olives on these plates with an aperitif. Present single servings of colorful vegetables or canapés like smoked salmon and caviar.

These petite plates can also be used to serve condiments next to your entrée.

Arita ware, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and enduring elegance, serves as an emblem of Japan's rich artistic heritage and thus, is often chosen for use during New Year's — one of Japan's most festive times. These ceramics carry a timeless charm that has bewitched and enthralled generations. These handpicked pieces from our collection promise to amplify the joy and splendor of forthcoming celebrations with family and friends.