First Bloom Sauce Plate

The first flowers to brighten the Japanese year inspire this sauce plate, offered in two designs. A plum blossom, its five petals painted in several hues with one filled with a geometric pattern, opens while winter’s chill still lingers and is admired as a herald of spring and a symbol of resilience. The camellia is rendered in red and white, a pairing that echoes the colors Japan reserves for celebrations. Blooming through the colder months, it is valued for its ability to thrive in winter, while its evergreen leaves symbolize longevity.

A shallow, recessed center in each plate keeps dressings and dipping sauces, including soy sauce, neatly contained. Display both designs together to bring a seasonal touch to the table, or give one as a thoughtful gift to celebrate a new beginning.

Kutani ware is a traditional Japanese porcelain from the Kaga region in Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. Known for its vibrant overglaze enamel designs and use of five signature colors, known as Kutani gosai—navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow pigments. This timeless craft has continuously evolved through generations of artisans who balance innovation with a deep respect for tradition. 

Kutani ware exhibits a diverse range of distinctive styles, shaped by evolving artistic tastes over the centuries. Styles such as ko-Kutani, with its bold colors, geometric patterns, and painterly detail, and akae-saibyo, marked by ultra-fine red lines. Many pieces feature traditional Japanese motifs, such as kacho (flowers and birds) and sansui (landscapes), offering a timeless glimpse into the beauty of nature and the seasons.