Little Harvest Sauce Plate

Fruits and vegetables long cherished as lucky charms in Japan inspire the three designs of this sauce plate. The eggplant, or nasu in Japanese, shares its name with nasu, meaning “to accomplish” or “to achieve.” This wordplay connects the eggplant with success and the fulfillment of ambitions. Rendered in soft pink with a turquoise leaf, the peach has a long history in Japanese folklore as a symbol of protection against evil spirits and a wish for longevity. The mandarin orange, finished in a natural citrus shade, represents abundance and auspicious beginnings.

Each piece has some depth, to keep dressings and dipping sauces including soy sauce neatly contained. Display all three designs together as a coordinated set, or gift one as a small token of good wishes.

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.