Set of 4 Plates "Prosperity"

A set of four auspicious small plates featuring traditional patterns symbolizing prosperity. These small plates are perfectly sized for use as saucers or dessert plates. They can be used to serve small side dishes, condiments, or sweets, and while they are Japanese tableware, they also pair beautifully with Western table settings. Small plates are often used to serve salt at the table and are sometimes referred to as "teshio-zara" (hand-salt plates). Adding a small plate to the table is a uniquely Japanese way to enhance the dining experience. The plates are crafted using a "Mizu-kote" technique, where clay is poured into a plaster mold, rotated, and smoothed with water and a spatula to shape the material. This method is mainly suited for forming circular items such as rice bowls, teacups, cups, and plates, requiring the skilled craftsmanship of artisans. After shaping, the pieces are dried and trimmed to refine their form. In porcelain production, the trimming process is a crucial step to achieve the final shape, demanding expert precision. The shaped pieces are then bisque-fired for two days at 920°C. Following this, a unique glaze is applied to each piece by hand with a brush, and the pieces are reduction-fired for three days at 1300°C. The designs feature traditional Ko-Imari floral patterns expressed in black and platinum. The four patterns on the plates symbolize prosperity: "Karakusa" (arabesque) represents infinite development and prosperity, "Seigaiha" (blue ocean waves) symbolizes endlessly spreading waves of good fortune, "Wakatake" (young bamboo) signifies flexibility and unyielding strength, and "Jimon" (ground pattern) conveys continuous and infinite growth. These auspicious patterns have been thoughtfully modernized by retaining their traditional designs while adopting black and platinum colors. Such patterns have been widely used in Arita porcelain by past artisans, embodying their wish to enrich the lives of users both materially and spiritually. We hope to deliver this sentiment to people around the world through these pieces of tableware. Finally, the plates are overglaze-decorated and fired at 800°C to complete the process.