Hachi-Kutani Flower Birds Guard Sauce Plate

This beautiful white plate is shaped like the hand guard of a traditional Japanese sword and features a variety of auspicious motifs, including birds, flowers, the shippo (seven treasures) pattern, and the Takeda-bishi crest. At the center, a delicate design shows a bird perched on a blossoming branch, evoking a scene of quiet beauty and good fortune.

Shippou is a pattern of circles overlapping in quarters. Since the pattern can extend in any direction without limits, the pattern is regarded as auspicious for the prosperity of descendants, good relationships, and for bringing harmony.  

The Takeda-bishi is the family crest of the Takeda family, including Takeda Shingen, one of the most powerful magnate with exceptional military prestige in the late stage of the Sengoku period (1467–1590 CE).

While Kutani Ware is loved for its vibrant colors, the hachi-kutani series features sauce plates all in white. The porcelain is decorated with an elegant traditional pattern, inspired by the snow of Hakusan (Mt. Hakusan), and is trimmed with a iron glaze brown finish.

This small plate can be used for sauce, condiments, pickles, and other small items such as accessories. There are eight different patterns in total, so you can choose your favorite one or use different patterns with your family.

Seikou Kiln

Seikou Kiln, founded in the early Taisho era (1912–1926 CE) in Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture, has long been dedicated to the art of Japanese overglaze painting for Kutani ware. Through years of research, the kiln perfected a high-quality technique for transferring designs and patterns using in-house printed sheets. This method preserves the transparency of glassy glazes and the depth of thick overglaze paints, achieving the same richness as traditional hand-painting. Their work has earned prestigious accolades, including recognition in the Japan Tourism Agency's Charming Japanese Souvenir Contest.

Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture and it has a history of over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of green, yellow, red, purple, and navy blue that are applied to the bold and daring lines. Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.

The beauty of the various styles and methods of painting is known as "Japan Kutani" and is highly regarded around the world.