Noble Shikunshi Medium Bowl

Elevate your table setting with this medium-sized bowl featuring the shikunshi pattern—orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and plum blossom—each adorning one of the four main sides. Known as “The Four Gentlemen,” these plants represent the ideal qualities of a gentleman: virtue, knowledge, and grace, while also symbolizing the four seasons—orchid for spring, bamboo for summer, chrysanthemum for autumn, and plum blossom for winter.

With a diameter of 15.5 cm (6.1 in) and depth of 5.4 cm (2.1 in), this bowl is perfect for serving side dishes such as sunomono (vinegared food), aemono (seasoned or sauced food), nimono (simmered food) or large salads. 

Seikou Kiln

Founded in the early Taisho era (1912–1926 CE) in Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Seikou Kiln began with overglaze painting for Kutani ware. Later, they became the first in the Kutani industry to introduce screen printing technology, transforming their production methods to make everyday Kutani ware more accessible and affordable while preserving the artistry and tradition of the craft.

Decades of research and innovation led Seikou Kiln to develop high-quality transfer techniques and to pioneer their own wa-enogu—vibrant, translucent Japanese pigments with a glass-like luster and thick, elegant application. Seikou Kiln handles every stage of design and production in-house, from pigment development and transfer sheet printing to the meticulous hand-finishing and inspection of each piece.

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.