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Private Producer / Kutani Ware

Flying Bird Diamond Shaped Side Plate

Sale price$32.00 USD

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Description

This is a side plate with vibrant colors, featuring hand-painted images that leave a lasting impression and evoke a soft, comforting atmosphere.

The unique silhouette of this plate is called hishigata in Japanese, inspired by the leaves of the diamond-shaped plant called "hishi." It is known for its robust vitality, has been favored as a symbol of healing and a strong life force.

This shape is also associated with warding off evil, serving as a shield that repels malevolent forces and, with its pointed edges, is believed to be an even stronger protective charm.

Additionally, the central bird motif not only adds cuteness but also represents good luck. It originates from a play on words between the Japanese word for "bird" (tori) and "to take in" (torikomu), symbolizing the act of attracting good fortune and positive things.

While the concepts behind it can be powerful, the plate itself takes on a gentle form reminiscent of a plant's soft curves. Moreover, the hand-painted design adds a sense of warmth and exudes the craftsmanship and devotion inserted in each unique piece.

Featured Collections

Side Plates

Bring a feeling of quality to your table with our collection of Japanese side plates, expertly crafted by artisans from all across Japan. A key element of an authentic Japanese table setting, the small plates in our selection are curated to fit any aesthetic, from cute and bright to classic and refined. These dishes showcase appetizers, snacks, breads, sweets, and side dishes like tofu, salad, or even slices of fish with ease and style. 

This category features plates with diameters ranging from 13–20.9 cm (5.1–8.2 in).

Side Plates

Akae

Akae, or red painting, is an overglaze decoration that primarily uses red, complemented by colors such as green, purple and blue. In China, this style originated during the Song Dynasty (960 CE–1279 CE), while in Japan, it was introduced by Sakaida Kakiemon during the Shoho era (1644 CE–1648 CE) and later found its place in Kutani ware.

In Kutani porcelain, akae-saibyo is particularly famous. Akae-saibyo literally means "fine painting in red." Using an extremely fine brush, each line is drawn on the surface of the vessel with exquisite detail, creating breathtakingly intricate patterns.

Akae