Little Symbols of Luck Sauce Plate

Seven classic emblems of good fortune from Japanese tradition inspire the designs of this sauce plate. Pine leaves, rendered in emerald green with mustard-yellow details, remain green through winter, symbolizing longevity, as does the hexagonal tortoiseshell, or kikko pattern, striped in green, mustard yellow, blue, and red. A gourd dotted in vermilion and cobalt brings luck and prosperity. The mallet of luck, or kozuchi, is a wishing mallet said to shake out wealth, finished in a semitransparent mustard glaze with fine kannyu crackles and touches of vermilion. A chrysanthemum with a crane at its center expresses hopes for health and a long life, while a sakura blossom holding a tiny blue sea bream celebrates spring and new beginnings.

The larger shapes can hold snacks or small appetizers, while the smaller ones are sized for condiments.

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.