Hazy Moon Lacquerware Side Plate
Estimated Shipping Widget will be displayed here!
This item is a beautifully crafted wooden plate with a hazy moon motif created with gold leaves from Kanazawa.
This plate is about 18 cm (7 in) and extremely light and easy to hold. The deep black color of the lacquer exquisitely expresses the calmness of a dark night sky, and the delicate and random haze over the full moon is depicted by the gilded gold leaves. The sharp silhouette of the moon against the deep shine of black lacquer will add a modern touch to your dining table.
It is just the right size for a single serving. Plate sushi or small ball-shaped colorful temarizushi. Serve desserts like a Japanese-style confectionary, wagashi with a bowl of matcha tea.
At Hakuichi, experienced craftsmen stretch out about 2 g (0.07 oz) of gold into a thickness of 1/10,000 of a millimeter and skilled artisans gild the gold leaves onto each plate. Thin gold leaves can be torn in a single touch, but it's the fragility of the gold leaf that creates the mystical impression of a hazy moon.
Skilled craftsmen of Yamanaka Lacquerware create the lacquerware plate.
Woodturning craftsmen carve out the base of the plates from carefully selected pieces of wood, then lacquer craftsmen apply multiple coats of black lacquer by repeating the arduous process of brushing on and then wiping off the lacquer. The artistry of the even brush strokes of lacquer against the natural curves of the wood grains is remarkable.
DETAILS
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size | D 18 cm (7.1 in) x H 1.5 cm (0.6 in) |
| Material | Wood, Gold leaf |
| Microwave | No |
| Dishwasher | No |
Maker / Brand
Kanazawa gold leaf, crafted in and around Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, stands out for its glittering and elegant shine, a testament to the region's skilled craftsmanship. Dominating over 99% of Japan's gold leaf production, it plays a pivotal role in the country's cultural heritage. This exquisite material adorns many historical sites, including the iconic Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and is a key element in various traditional crafts. From lacquerware and Buddhist religious artifacts to textiles and Kutani ware, Kanazawa gold leaf is integral in shaping the Japanese aesthetic that deeply values the splendor of gold.
Crafts
Renowned for its radiant, refined luster, Kanazawa gold leaf is crafted in and around Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. Today, accounting for 100% of Japan’s gold leaf production, it remains at the heart of the nation’s cultural heritage.
This exceptional material has been used for centuries in Japan’s most treasured landmarks, including the iconic Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Beyond architecture, it enriches traditional crafts such as lacquerware, Buddhist ritual objects, textiles, and Kutani ware.
More than decoration, Kanazawa gold leaf embodies a uniquely Japanese aesthetic—one that cherishes the timeless beauty and brilliance of gold.
Choose options
Estimated Shipping Widget will be displayed here!
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).
Yamanaka Lacquerware
Yamanaka lacquerware, produced in the Yamanaka Onsen district of Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, has a proud history of more than 450 years. It is characterized by the harmony of natural wood grain and the refined maki-e technique, where gold, silver, or colored powders are delicately sprinkled to create elegant patterns.
Yamanaka lacquerware is crafted into a wide variety of items including chopsticks, bowls, plates, trays, spoons, ladles, and natsume tea caddies. It is known for being lightweight, durable, and beautifully refined. Traditional black and vermilion lacquer finishes are often used.
Yamanaka lacquerware continues to evolve, blending timeless tradition with modern aesthetics to suit contemporary lifestyles.
Guide to Japanese Plates
A Tasty Tour of Japan's Seasonal Summer Sweets
