Little Tales Sauce Plate

Each of the four designs of this sauce plate tells a small story drawn from Japanese tradition. Saiun, or iridescent clouds, glow in turquoise, blue, yellow, and red, recalling the rare rainbow-tinted clouds long taken as a sign that good fortune is on its way. The gunbai, a fan once carried by samurai commanders and still used by sumo referees, stands for victory and success. The sword guard takes the shape of a tsuba, the disc fitted between a katana’s blade and grip to protect the hand, here striped in turquoise green and yellow with fine blue outlines. The multicolored uchiwa fan is believed to sweep away misfortune and draw in prosperity.

Each plate has a gently recessed center to keep sauces neatly contained. Mix and match all four designs, or choose the story that suits the person you have in mind.

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.