Sparrows and Balloon Flower Porcelain Plaque

This porcelain plaque, hand-painted by Kutani ware master Nakamura Toshito, showcases his signature sparrow motif and exceptional skill in creating balanced compositions. A pair of adorable, rounded sparrows perches on a branch, gazing down at a blooming Japanese bellflower. With their feathers fluffed up, the sparrows embody fukura suzume, an auspicious motif associated with prosperity and good fortune. Nakamura’s delicate brushwork brings these charming birds to life, while his nuanced use of colored pigments captures the quiet elegance of the autumn-blooming bellflower.

Designed to be displayed as decorative wall art, the plaque comes with a string for hanging. Porcelain plaques offer a unique way to bring Japanese ceramics into the home, allowing you to appreciate the artistry of porcelain beyond the dining table and incorporate it into your interior decor.

Nakamura Toshito

Kutani ware artisan Nakamura Toshito is known for his lifelike depictions of birds and seasonal scenery, captured through meticulous brushwork. With a keen eye for composition, he carefully balances stillness and movement to create harmonious designs.

His charming sparrows, with their rounded forms and endearing expressions, reflect his distinctive artistic style. Nakamura excels in the furi technique, scattering pigments through a fine metal mesh to achieve soft gradations and a sense of depth. Through close observation and artistic mastery, Nakamura brings the natural world to life on Kutani ware.

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.