Mt. Fuji Sauce Plate Set

This set of five small plates showcases Mt. Fuji in all its beauty across the different changing seasons. Adorned with traditional Japanese symbols that are known to bring good fortune, they offer a stunning display of nature and culture. This set is accompanied by a wooden stand to display the sauce plate on a table or shelf.

The five different hues of Mt. Fuji and its auspicious accompaniments decorate the yellowish cream white color of the Kiyomizu ware base. The yellow Mt. Fuji with the pine tree, the gray with the bamboo, and the pink with the plum flowers represent a grouping of plants of good fortune in Japan. Cranes, which symbolize longevity, are seen flying across a blue Mt. Fuji. And an auspicious red sun is depicted rising from the side of a matcha-green Mt. Fuji. 

Mt. Fuji and other auspicious designs are hand-painted one by one on the unglazed surface of the sauce plates. Painting delicate colored designs on an unglazed base requires a tremendous amount of skill, as the base material is highly absorbent. After each sauce plate is painted, a "nami-yu" glaze is applied and gives the mug a clear and shiny coat over the detailed drawings. 

This set comes in an attractive paulownia box. The lid is decorated with a hand-painted image of a majestic Mt. Fuji behind strong, big waves against a full red sun.

Tosen Kiln

Tosen Kiln was founded in 1868 as a Kiyomizu ware wholesaler. In 1944, it established a production studio in Mukomachi, a suburb of Kyoto, marking the beginning of full-scale Kiyomizu ware production. Today, the kiln operates in Gojo, Kyoto, continuing its legacy of craftsmanship.

Dedicated to refining its techniques and artistic sensibilities, Tosen Kiln embraces Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship while adapting it for the modern era. Drawing inspiration from Edo-period master potter Nonomura Ninsei, it preserves his precise lathing techniques and luminous painting styles, blending them with clean lines and warm tones to create pieces that resonate with contemporary aesthetics.

Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware, collectively known as Kyo-yaki or Kiyomizu-yaki, are esteemed crafts from Kyoto. Unlike other pottery styles, they integrate various techniques from across Japan, resulting in unique, handmade pieces. Each item is crafted meticulously, from shaping on the pottery wheel to intricate painting, showcasing exceptional modeling skills and delicate designs.

With a rich history intertwined with traditional Japanese culture, Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware are celebrated for their refined artistry and elegance. Known for their vibrant and detailed paintings, they were officially recognized as a traditional craft by the Japanese government in 1977. Today, these ceramics are prized for their high artistic quality, embodying both historical craftsmanship and aesthetic sophistication.