Hasami Ware Sometsuke Kozan-ji San Kanjin 5.5-inch Plate 17.5cm

Three karako (Chinese children) smile at the bottom of the vessel. A playful Hasami ware elevated plate that transforms your dining table into a small stage.

When you gently lift it with both hands, its comfortable size of 17.5cm and pleasing, yet substantial, weight of 360g register in your fingertips. This vessel, crafted by "Korin-gama," a renowned Hasami ware kiln in Nagasaki Prefecture, features the "Choju-jinbutsu-giga" (Frolicking Animals and Humans) motif, a treasure from Kozan-ji Temple in Kyoto, depicted elegantly on its surface. However, its greatest charm lies on the underside. Three playful figures (karako) act as the vessel's feet, diligently holding up the plate in an adorably unique design. The smooth, ceramic texture and the tactile, three-dimensional karako feel natural to the touch, transforming your everyday dining table into a special space akin to a high-end Japanese restaurant. While possessing artistic quality that makes you want to display and admire it, this exceptional piece also boasts the durability to seamlessly integrate into daily life.

A smooth texture and comfortable stability that satisfy the senses and become more familiar with use.

The more you use it, the more you appreciate the smooth texture characteristic of Hasami ware. Gently stroking the surface, the glaze, which contains glassy components, clings to your fingers as they glide, increasing your affection with each wash. The high, clear "chir-in" sound that resonates when chopsticks or cutlery touch it is proof of the high-quality porcelain that remains unchanged with long-term use. Its solid weight of 360g provides exceptional stability when placed on a table, and despite having three three-dimensional legs, there is absolutely no wobbling during meals. The gentle curve of the rim makes it easy to grip when serving or clearing, offering a thoughtfully designed comfort that you notice only when using it daily.

The magic of blank space and height that elevates everyday dishes into a "feast."

Since welcoming this vessel to my table, everyday dishes have transformed into a glamorous stage. At approximately 17.5cm (5.5 sun), this size surprisingly comes in handy for a single serving of tempura, a perfectly grilled fish, or an assorted sashimi platter. The deep indigo lines of the sometsuke (underglaze blue) vividly enhance the golden color of tempura batter and the red and green of fresh ingredients. Furthermore, its height of approximately 4.8cm adds a three-dimensional quality to the table setting, and it reliably earns compliments like "What a beautiful vessel!" when serving Japanese sweets or matcha desserts to guests.

The pinnacle of craftsmanship, yet tough and practical for everyday use.

The intricate hand-painted Choju-giga motif and the exquisite craftsmanship of the three karako figures are testaments to the outstanding skill of the artisans at Korin-gama. Despite its artistic beauty, its tough practicality—being perfectly safe for daily use in the microwave and dishwasher—is incredibly helpful. Regarding storage (stacking), which was my main concern before using it, the three legs mean it cannot be stacked as tightly and flatly as a flat plate. However, even when stacked slightly offset, its appearance is beautiful, and I now enjoy it as a "display storage" piece in a prime spot in my dish cupboard. Contrary to its delicate appearance, its practical durability that can withstand tough daily use is a major appeal unique to Hasami ware.

Traditional motifs, unique aesthetic form, and convenience that supports modern living. The longer you cherish it, the more you realize that these elements are harmoniously balanced in a miraculous way. More than just holding food, it's an exquisite piece that teaches you the joy of your heart leaping every time your eyes meet the playful figures at the bottom of the vessel. Without worrying about special care, from celebratory feasts to busy everyday meals, it is sure to continue enriching and adorning your life with smiles.

Recommended for:

• Those who want to add a touch of playfulness and an extraordinary, restaurant-like feel to their daily dining table.
• Those who want to arrange everyday Japanese dishes like tempura or sashimi beautifully and three-dimensionally.
• Those who are drawn to the traditional design of "Choju-giga" and the meticulous handiwork of artisans.
• Those who want to use an artistically designed vessel casually every day, even in the dishwasher and microwave.