Oribe Swirl Side Plate
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The shallow form of this side plate rests on three small feet, while a deeply carved spiral sweeps inward across the interior. The slightly irregular profile and hand-shaped contours lend the plate a sense of movement, while carved ridges draw the eye toward the center of this round plate. Its substantial weight anchors the composition.
Within these channels, Oribe glaze pools upon the surface, producing areas where green and blue appear to drift into one another. The glassy glaze reveals these layers rather than concealing them, creating depth that changes with the light. A network of kannyu crackles emerges across this plate, while exposed sections of clay reveal feldspar inclusions and traces of the firing.
Led by eighth-generation potter Fukushima Kazuhiro, Mukai Kiln continues to explore new expressions within inherited traditions. Shaped by experiences ranging from apprenticeship under Koie Ryoji to years spent working with wood-fired anagama kilns in the United States, the kiln treats tradition not as a boundary, but as a starting point. Here, the Oribe glaze unfolds across a freely formed surface, while the qualities of clay and fire remain fully visible. Though sharing the same wood, flame, and firing as the other works in this series, the plate emerged with its own interplay of glaze, texture, and form.
DETAILS
| Quantity | 1 |
| Size | D 18.5 cm (7.3 in) x H 3.5 cm (1.4 in) |
| Weight | 604 g (21.3 oz) |
| Material | Stoneware |
| Package Type | Paper box |
| Microwave | No |
| Dishwasher | No |
Maker / Brand
Mukai Kiln is a long-established Iga ware kiln with roots dating back to the late Edo period. Today, eighth-generation potter Fukushima Kazuhiro and brother Shinya continue the tradition through both traditional and contemporary designs.
Using the region’s coarse clay, the kiln creates vessels shaped by ash and flame while preserving the natural character of the clay. Pieces born from the same firing carry subtle harmony in surface and color, bringing visual continuity to the table.
Crafts
Iga ware, produced in the Iga region of Mie Prefecture, is celebrated for its deep roots in Japanese ceramic history and its distinctive character. With a lineage stretching back some 1,200 years, Iga ware rose to prominence during the Momoyama period (1573–1615 CE), when it became closely tied to the aesthetics of the tea ceremony.
As a form of traditional Japanese pottery, Iga ware is admired for its robust clay, earthy texture, and the organic beauty that emerges through various firing methods. The natural ash glazing and translucent green, glass-like vidro effects created by the intense heat of the kiln reveal the expressive artistry that defines Iga ware.
Notes
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Side Plates
Bring a sense 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, tsukemono (Japanese pickles), or even sashimi, all served with style and ease.
This category features plates with diameters ranging from 13–20.9 cm (5.1–8.2 in).
Oribe
Oribe is a distinctive style of Japanese ceramics that emerged in the early 17th century within the Mino tradition. Named after the tea master Furuta Oribe, it is known for its free-spirited shapes and expressive surface patterns that convey movement and individuality. Artisans often shape the clay by hand, subtly adjusting the rim or contour to embody this aesthetic before firing. Asymmetry, bold lines, and a deep copper-green glaze reveal rhythm within its organic silhouette.
