【303select】Arita Ware | Japanese Hand-Painted "Ito-Kiri" Small Plates (Various Designs)

★ Handcrafted by Japanese Artisans ★ Centuries of Exquisite Craftsmanship ★ Kiln Designated for Imperial Use "Ito-kiri" literally translates to "thread cut," referring to the base of a pottery piece that remains on the potter's wheel after being cut off with a wire tool during the shaping process. This "ito-kiri" base naturally retains the subtle swirling patterns created by the rotation of the wheel. These ito-kiri small plates feature five distinct hand-painted designs by artisans, beautifully preserving these natural swirls. The subtle patterns beneath the glaze evoke the serene raked sand of Japanese Zen gardens, appearing as shimmering water on the pristine white porcelain – simple yet elegant. Each pattern is meticulously hand-painted by skilled artisans. The pottery is crafted using a high-quality blend of clay and sand, fired at high temperatures of 900°C, 1300°C, and 800°C for three distinct firings. The irregular, hand-pinched edges of the plates add a touch of rustic warmth, showcasing the soul of handmade artistry. As each piece is individually thrown and hand-painted by artisans, every plate is truly unique. The glazes used by the Arita Ware Pottery Studio are free of any synthetic additives. Instead, they are derived from naturally fermented tea leaves, requiring a three-year aging process to completely eliminate any fermentation odors. With their smooth, refined texture and rounded edges, these plates are perfect for culinary presentation. Even the simplest dishes can be elevated to exude a sense of thoughtful preparation, allowing you to create a beautiful dining ritual at home and infuse your life with sophisticated table aesthetics. Ideal For | Small side dishes, desserts, dipping sauces, ice cream bowls, and more. Compatible With | ✓ Microwave × Oven Cleaning Method | **303 recommends hand washing for optimal care. ✓ Hand Wash: Use a soft cloth or sponge. × Dishwasher: Not recommended for glazed items, as it may damage the glaze. ✓ Dish Dryer Important Notes for Washing | *When using a dish dryer for the entire washing and drying process, please keep the following in mind: 1. Use a neutral and mild detergent. 2. Arrange the pieces so they do not directly contact other tableware. About Arita Ware Originating from Saga Prefecture, Arita is the birthplace of Japanese ceramics. In the 1600s, the Nabeshima clan established an imperial kiln in Okawachi-yama, Imari, to produce tribute ceramics for the Shogunate and noble families. This marked the beginning of Imari Nabeshima Ware. To safeguard their firing techniques, the kilns were strategically built in challenging terrain. The artisans, technology, and materials were all of the highest caliber at the time, resulting in ceramics of exceptional quality, exclusively supplied to nobles and the Emperor, earning it the moniker "Home of the Secret Kiln." Today, the kilns carry on these sophisticated techniques while also developing new innovations, ensuring the enduring legacy of "Imari Nabeshima Ware" for over 350 years. Brand Story | About Arita Ware Pottery Studio | Arita Ware Pottery Studio & Chichitoujin | In 1968 (Showa 43), President Kaneko, who operated a pottery factory in Imari, hired potter Chichitoujin Sawada from Kyoto with the goal of preserving Arita's traditional ceramic techniques and producing high-quality Imari ceramics. He established the Arita Ware Pottery Studio. As Imari transitioned to mass production with modernized facilities, handmade craftsmanship was increasingly overlooked. Traditional artisans dwindled, even threatening the preservation and transmission of their heritage. Mr. Chichitoujin Sawada, adhering to fundamental principles, guided artisans to enhance their awareness of materials like clay and glaze, as well as their tools, thereby elevating their creative skills. He dedicated himself to studying ancient Chinese ceramics, pursuing beauty in functionality while employing traditional pottery techniques. He led the development and production of a diverse range of products that blend contemporary living aesthetics with fresh inspiration. In 1970, the foundation of Arita Ware Pottery Studio was solidified by the integration of designs from factory manager Eiji Okamoto (a graphic designer), merging modern Imari ceramics with contemporary artistic sensibilities. A solitary pursuit of beauty, defying the trends of the era, marked the dawn of a new chapter for modern Imari ware. | Heritage and Innovation | In 1997, the current president, Hideki Kaneko, inherited his predecessor's vision, facilitating an exhibition of Japanese ceramic artists at the British Museum. Today, depending on the product, Arita Ware Pottery Studio utilizes exceptionally high-quality materials such as porcelain, stoneware, Karatsu clay, Shigaraki clay, and Hagi clay, along with glazes and coatings specifically suited to the characteristics of each material. To maximize the performance of each component, the compatibility of the materials used is crucial. This allows for the design of custom-made vessels that perfectly match customer needs and showcase the artisans' skills. The works of Chichitoujin continue to influence many Japanese artists. For example, artists such as Hiroshi Senju, Tsurutaro Kataoka, and Terumasa Hino have created ceramic works at the Arita Ware Pottery Studio. Inspired by visiting artists, the artisans at Arita Ware Pottery Studio are not only safeguarding the tradition left by Chichitoujin but are also embarking on new challenges in creating contemporary vessels. Imported from Japan × Manufactured in Saga Prefecture × Produced by Arita Ware Pottery Studio Kiln | Arita Ware Pottery Studio Material | Kumamoto Prefecture Amakusa Pottery Clay (Arita Ware Ceramics) Glaze Colors | Red, Green, Yellow Dimensions | Approx. ∅ 10.5 × H 3 cm Weight | Approx. 155 g ±10g