Featuring the distinctive “nami-yu” glaze, which is made from the ashes of the Kyoto forest, this rectangle plate has a natural base color in yellowish cream-white. It depicts the famous illustrated scroll named “Choju Giga” which is a caricature picture scroll depicting anthropomorphic animals and their playfulness, dating from the 12th to 13th centuries.  

Founded in 1868 as a Kiyomizu ware wholesaler in Kyoto, Tosen Kiln uses its own blend of soil and glaze, preserving the methods and quality of the works of Nonomura Ninsei, the renowned potter who is said to have established the art of Kyo ware in the 17th century.

The surface of the plate is glazed stoneware with its lactescent glow. Hand painted paintings of a frog, rabbits and a monkey serve as accompaniments to add a humorous touch. The base of the place is unglazed, retaining the rough surfaces of clay with a color of cream-white. The outlines of the plate are uneven and curvy, reminding us of the gentle fingers and craftsmanship that took place in this unique plate. 

The technique of painting directly on a bisqued plate requires unique skill as paint is quickly absorbed by the clay surface. The art of underglaze painting uses more restraint colors of blue and brown, giving the piece a more subdued impression. As the paint is absorbed under the glaze, the result is the more lucid and transparent finish of the delicate brush work, as opposed to the more solid pigments of overglaze painting. 
 
The size is perfect as a Sushi platter, Sashimi platter, and Tempura platter.

Tosen Kiln introduces the timeless techniques of Kiyomizu ware through their delicate hand painting and modeling styles. The intricate paintings on the stoneware breathe warmth and beauty into the pieces and tell stories of the diligence needed to create them.

PRODUCT DETAIL

• Dimension: L12cm(4.7in) x W26.5cm(10.4in) x H1.2cm(0.5in)
• Material: Stoneware
• Origin: Made in Japan – Kiyomizu Ware
• Brand: Tosen Kiln